"Now, I wanna attack the pro wrestling industry."
Since capturing the One World Heavyweight Championship, Arjan Bhullar is aiming for even more success.
This includes making a name for himself in professional wrestling.
Bhullar made history on May 15, 2021, when he became the first MMA champion of Indian origin.
The 35-year-old captured the belt after defeating veteran Brandon Vera by second-round TKO.
Bhullar followed in the footsteps of his father, who was an amateur wrestler.
In the wrestling world, Bhullar won gold at the 2010 Commonwealth Games. He also qualified for the 2012 Olympics.
On becoming India’s first MMA champion, Arjan Bhullar told Firstpost:
“Amazing. I am born and raised here (Richmond, BC).
“I have represented this city my entire life and I always will.
“But I have also represented my culture and my roots. I continue to do that now and it has been a very lovely reception.”
After winning the world title, Bhullar now wants a move to professional wrestling.
After defeating Vera, Bhullar said: “I have reached the pinnacle of this sport.
“Now, I wanna attack the pro wrestling industry. AEW, WWE, I’m coming for you guys next. Consider this a warning.”
Talks are underway between Bhullar and One Championship and pro wrestling organisations.
On the plans, he looks forward to the meetings with CEO Chatri Sityodtong.
Bhullar said: “We are involved with the highest level in the sport, both WWE and AEW.
“They are both interested, we are interested. It’s about getting a deal done.
“Obviously having a conversation with One (Championship) as well and Chatri and everyone being happy.
“Look Chatri and company are great and they will see the benefit in me being able to do both.
“So, it’s about sitting down with them and having some conversations.”
However, Arjan Bhullar is not walking away from MMA as he looks to defend his title.
“I am going to do both. We are engaged with the pro wrestling world and we are going to do both.”
“I am going to pro wrestling first because we just fought and then would defend (my title) and will keep doing both.”
His first title defence could come against South Korea’s Kang Ji Won.
“He (Ji Won) moves well, he is undefeated. He moves well on his feet, he moves like a lighter weight guy and he punched out a world champion from wrestling.
“So he is very very dangerous, he is self-taught. I have to be ready for all of those things.”
Arjan Bhullar is also aiming for more MMA history as he is thinking about moving down to light heavyweight in a bid to become a double champion.
He said: “I am always looking for new challenges, and to make history and grow.
“There has been no heavyweight who has gone down and won the light heavyweight title.
“Vera tried and failed and where he fails, I believe I will be successful.”
Arjan Bhullar also had some words of advice for India’s Ritu Phogat who lost her first MMA bout.
He said: “First of all, I thought she won the fight. I thought she did enough to win the fight.
“So feel bad for her, but aside from that, she is getting more efficient.
“There’s a way to transfer your wrestling over into the sport where you are efficient and you can go all night and that’s where she needs to clean up with her efficiency and just getting comfortable with that.”
Loading ...