Staff Mixed martial arts is a relatively recent addition to the sporting landscape in India but it’s already popular. The sport has risen to prominence in the country thanks to the growth of digital channels where fans can watch their favourite stars
We spoke to a journalist from JustGamblers, the online review and news site that provides us with the gambling data used to determine trends in the industry. He said,
“MMA is really growing as a sport. We’re seeing increased interest in the top players and contests and an associated rise in betting levels.”
This increase is set to continue as top Indian MMA fighters influence new generations of enthusiasts.
| Name of fighter | Main achievements |
| Bharat Kandare | The person who popularized MMA in India and is also the only Indian born fighter to have a UFC fight. |
| Mohammed Farhad | Personal best of 10-3 and known for his great strength. |
| Priyanka Jeet Toshi | One of the most familiar faces in MMA in India. Yet to completely fulfil her potential but has only been beaten by world-class fighters. |
| Dhruv Chaudhary | Personal best in professional fights of 7-4 and is known for his explosive and aggressive style which makes him popular with fans. |
| Nelson Paes | Personal best of 3-3 and has acquired a large fanbase despite a modest fighting record. |
| Rajinder Singh Meena | Known for excellent performances in the Full Contact Championship and has a personal best of 8-3. |
| Manjit Kolekar | Has achieved 11 wins in 15 professional fights and is the female fighter most likely to fight in the UFC. |
| Roshan Mainam | Could achieve more if he paid closer attention to his fights but still has a personal best of 5-2. |
| Pankaj Khanna | One of the most successful MMA fighters in India with a personal best of 5-1 who is known for his calm persona and fast speed. |
| Abdul Muneer | One of the most famous Indian MMA fighters globally who has a personal best of 6-2. |
Bharat Kandare
Kandare was the first person to help increase the popularity of MMA in India. He’s a first-class athlete who first achieved success in the Super Fight League. The last time Kandare fought was in the UFC in 2017. He then faced a suspension from the sport during which he has set up the Bharat Kandare Mixed Martial Arts Academy at the Balkawde International Sports Centre in his hometown of Bhagur. His hope is to encourage other potential UFC fighters.
Mohammed Farhad
Farhad is a force to be reckoned with in the Super Fight League. He is a hugely powerful fighter who has the potential to progress. Away from the fighting arena, he starred in the film “Baagi”.
Priyanka Jeet Toshi
Toshi has had a moderate career in the world of MMA, but she has a lot of potential. As a female player who is gifted enough to compete at the top level, she is an inspiration to girls in the country who are looking to take part in sports.
Dhruv Chaudhary
Chaudhary was originally a kickboxer and wushu fighter. He has brought his offensive style of fighting to the world of MMA and has developed a strong following. If the UFC has ambitions in India, they would do well to sign him.
Nelson Paes
Paes began is career in Super Fight League and is known for being a strong Combat Cage Fighter. He is not the most outstanding MMA fighter to come out of India, but he is very popular. Paes has opened his own gym in goa and is in the process of training young MMA fighters.
Rajinder Singh Meena
Meena is a fighter who is well-known internationally. He is a former Super Fight League champion and has spoken of a desire to train young fighters in the sport he loves.
Manjit Kolekar
Kolekar has been hailed as the female Indian fighter with the best chance of fighting in the UFC. Right now, she participates in the Super Fight League and has plenty of potential to progress having gained experience in fights against stars including Bharti Dundinal and Hinn Ali Shahi.
Roshan Mainam
Mainam’s career in MMA is still in its relatively early stages. He began fighting in 2017. So far, he has displayed something of a lack of attention in some fights although this has not stopped him from achieving several wins. Mainam certainly has the potential to achieve much more in his career.
Pankaj Khanna
Khanna has competed in Super Fight League, Pro Combat Fight League, and CCF. He has a fast but calm style, and his reactions are impressive. Overall, Khanna is currently one of the best MMA fighters in India.
Abdul Muneer
Muneer has shown the world that MMA fighters in India have a lot to offer. He is a well-known figure in the Super Fight League where he has achieved the majority of his successes.
