India Jiu-Jitsu fighter Siddharth Singh said that his protege Anshul Jubli’s victory in the Road to UFC, which gave him a full-time deal with the promotion, marks the start of a new era in Indian mixed martial arts and recalled the fighter’s struggle-filled journey in the sport.
In an interview, Siddharth discussed Anshul’s journey in MMA, his struggles, and his victory on the Road to the UFC that made him the second Indian after Bharat Kandare to earn a UFC contract. Anshul entered the tournament in October last year and won his semifinal bout against South Korea’s Kim Kyung Pyo. Then on 4 February, at the UFC Fight Night: Lewis vs. Spiwak event, he defeated Indonesia’s Jeka Sirigah in the final to win the tournament and gain a UFC contract.
“In India, fighters are mainly one or two-dimensional as they know wrestling and boxing. We decided to work on all four dimensions. All aspects of his game are good. But his boxing and jiu-jitsu are strongest,” added Siddharth.
On what Anshul’s tournament win and UFC deal mean to Indian MMA, Siddharth said, “From my point of view, Indian MMA is starting now with Anshul’s win as he came from a humble background and defeated foreign fighters who have a fighting culture. Winning a UFC tournament is a big thing for this homegrown athlete. It will inspire upcoming fighters, and they’ve got a belief. It is exciting for audiences too.”