Wrestler Ritu Phogat joins MMA, to train full-time in Singapore
What's the story
In an interesting development, Indian women's wrestling ace Ritu Phogat announced that she would now pursue Mixed Martial Arts or MMA. The decorated wrestler has signed with One Championship. She will be training with MMA organization, Evolve in Singapore. Phogat decided to join this organization in order to hone her MMA fighting skills. Here is more about Phogat's move.
Training
Phogat to train with the best coaches
The 24-year-old wrestler from Haryana decided to make this transition after enjoying a successful stint as a wrestler. She will begin her journey under the banner of Evolve MMA in Singapore. Phogat will be training with the best coaches in Singapore to become a reputed MMA fighter. Evolve has been ranked as Asia's number one organization by organizations like Fox Sports and Yahoo.
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Phogat excited to begin a new journey
"Am excited to have moved to Singapore to begin my new journey in mixed martial arts as a member of the Evolve Fight Team. My managers at Birbal Sports and Entertainment introduced me to Evolve and convinced me that this is the future," said Phogat.
Achievements
A look at Phogat's career achievements
Phogat won the gold in the 2016 Commonwealth Wrestling Championship. She pocketed the bronze medal in the 2017 Asian Championships held in New Delhi. The 48kg category wrestler had also bagged a silver medal in the World U23 Championships. It was India's first silver medal in the prestigious event. In 2016, she became the most expensive female wrestler at the Pro Wrestling League.
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Ritu dreams of becoming India's first ever champion in MMA
"I am excited to learn from all the World Champions here in Singapore. I have a dream of becoming India's first ever World Champion in mixed martial arts, and can't wait to represent India on the global stage," she added.
Champion
Ritu will look to make it big
She is the first top level amateur wrestler from India to enter MMA. History suggests that amateur wrestlers often excel in MMA. Several UFC Champions Henry Cejudo, Khabib Nurmagomedov, Daniel Cormier and Tyron Woodley made their mark. "We wish Ritu becomes the First Indian Female World champion in MMA and bring the glory to India " Jitesh Mehta, co-founder Birbal Sports and Entertainment