44
Kuala Lumpur: Sangram Singh created history by becoming the first Indian to win the Asian Championship title after defeating Pakistan’s Mohammad Abid Ali in just one minute and 20 seconds in Kuala Lumpur.
The victory marked Singh’s fourth win in mixed martial arts (MMA), his second against a Pakistani opponent, and extended his unbeaten record since switching from wrestling to MMA.
The Malaysian crowd celebrated the triumph with great enthusiasm. Shortly after the contest, an excited spectator approached the ring and began chanting “Bharat Mata Ki Jai”. Speaking in his own language, the spectator declared that “we will defeat these Pakistanis everywhere.”
Sangram dedicated the victory to 1.4 billion Indians, while his opponent, Mohammad Abid Ali, popularly known as Mohammad Buta, remained embroiled in controversy.
Abid, who had made provocative remarks during the pre-fight face-off, expressed his frustration after the defeat by saying that he loved all the Muslims in Malaysia. His comments were met with loud boos from the crowd.
Speaking after the bout, Sangram Singh said his only objective in every fight was to keep India’s tricolour flying high and that he was delighted to have achieved that once again.
Before the title clash, he had already defeated Pakistan’s Ali Raza Nasir, Tunisia’s Hakim Trabesi and France’s Florian Caudier during his MMA career.
The final had gained added significance following the weight cut and Mohammad Abid Ali’s provocative statements in the build-up. However, the two-time Commonwealth Heavyweight Champion lived up to expectations by delivering a dominant performance.
Explaining the contest, Sangram’s coach Bhupesh Kumar said Abid possessed excellent punching skills and attacked aggressively with his hands, while Sangram focused on evading the strikes. Owing to his taller frame, Abid enjoyed a superior reach, and one of his punches landed near Sangram’s eye. Recognising that advantage, Sangram remained composed and avoided unnecessary exchanges.
Although Abid had also transitioned from wrestling to MMA, Sangram ultimately outclassed him with his wrestling expertise. Around the 30-second mark, he executed a superb leg attack and quickly secured an ankle hold that laid the foundation for the victory. Maintaining control, Sangram dragged Abid from the edge of the cage back inside before applying a choke from the same position, leaving his opponent with no answer to the submission.
The arena erupted in celebration as Sangram secured the victory and fulfilled his dream of becoming the Asian Champion.
Reflecting on the decisive moment, Sangram said Abid had attempted to use the cage to neutralise his attack, but by pulling him back into the centre, he prevented his opponent from executing that strategy.
Coach Bhupesh Kumar added that Abid’s height and sharp punching initially suggested the contest would be closely fought. However, Sangram’s vast wrestling experience ultimately proved decisive. He noted that Sangram had also won his previous bout in Argentina using a similar leg attack.
