Why Indian MMA Fighters Struggle to Succeed Globally

Indian MMA continues to grow, with more fighters from the country emerging.

It is a nation with a deep-rooted martial arts tradition and now many are embracing this modern combat sport, with ambitions to one day make it into huge promotions like the UFC and ONE Championship.

Local promotions such as Matrix Fight Night (MFN) have emerged, capturing the attention of a growing audience.

Despite this rising interest, Indian-born fighters remain underrepresented in top-tier international promotions.

We explore the current state of MMA in India, examining the cultural, economic, and infrastructural challenges that have impeded the rise of elite Indian MMA fighters, and highlighting the efforts underway to overcome these obstacles.

The Current Landscape

In recent years, Indian MMA has witnessed a notable increase in interest and participation.

Promotions like MFN, founded in 2019 by Tiger Shroff and his family, have played a pivotal role in providing a platform for local fighters to showcase their skills.

MFN has hosted numerous events, featuring both Indian and international fighters.

Notably, MFN has been instrumental in producing MMA talents such as Anshul Jubli and Puja Tomar, who have gone on to sign with the UFC.

Jubli won the Road to UFC lightweight tournament while Tomar won her debut fight in June 2024.

Despite the early success, both have experienced adversity, with Jubli on a two-fight losing streak in the UFC and Tomar being submitted in March 2025.

The challenge is coupled with India’s limited presence in global MMA promotions.

Bharat Khandare became the first Indian-born fighter to sign with the UFC, making his debut in November 2017. However, his only bout in the promotion was a submission loss.

There is a lack of Indian MMA fighters in the top promotions and of the few who do make it, many quickly find out how difficult it is to succeed.

Cultural and Economic Barriers

There are a number of cultural and economic factors that become obstacles for aspiring Indian MMA fighters.

Among them is cricket.

Cricket’s overwhelming popularity in India poses a significant challenge to the growth of other sports, including MMA.

The sport monopolises media coverage, sponsorship deals, and public attention, leaving limited resources for alternative athletic pursuits.

This cultural fixation has resulted in a lack of awareness and support for emerging sports like MMA.

Although India has a rich history in traditional combat sports such as wrestling and boxing, many athletes in these disciplines prioritise amateur competitions, often aiming for government jobs that offer financial stability and social recognition.

This focus on securing employment through sports achievements has deterred many from pursuing professional MMA careers, which lack similar institutional support.

Infrastructure and Training Challenges

The development of world-class MMA fighters necessitates access to high-quality training facilities and experienced coaches.

In India, such resources are scarce, with many aspiring fighters relying on subpar training environments.

The absence of a strong Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) and striking culture further hampers skill development, as traditional martial arts classes often fail to meet the rigorous standards required for MMA.

Indian fighters often face challenges when competing internationally due to limited exposure to high-level training and competition standards.

Instances of local champions struggling against seasoned international opponents highlight the gap in experience and skill level.

This disparity highlights the need for Indian fighters to seek training opportunities abroad to elevate their competitive edge.

Economic Challenges for Fighters

Pursuing a career in MMA is financially demanding, requiring full-time commitment without guaranteed returns.

In India, the situation is exacerbated by a lack of substantial sponsorship deals and the absence of a pay-per-view culture that could generate additional income for fighters.

Many athletes struggle to balance training with regular employment to sustain their livelihoods, hindering their ability to focus entirely on the sport.

Naturally, MMA comes with physical risks and it requires comprehensive insurance coverage to manage potential injuries.

But in India, the lack of structured insurance policies for MMA athletes poses a significant concern.

The financial burden of medical treatment for injuries can be overwhelming, deterring many from committing fully to the sport.

Addressing this issue is crucial to ensure the well-being and longevity of fighters’ careers.

Promotion and Media Coverage

While MFN has made significant strides in promoting MMA in India, the overall number of active promotions remains low.

A competitive environment with multiple promotions is essential for the sport’s growth, providing fighters with more opportunities and fostering a vibrant MMA ecosystem.

Establishing and sustaining such promotions require substantial investment, sponsorship, and broadcasting rights, which are currently limited.

The limited media coverage of MMA in India contributes to its slow growth.

Unlike cricket, which dominates sports news, MMA struggles to gain consistent media attention, making it difficult for fighters to build their profiles and attract sponsors.

Increasing media engagement and public awareness is vital to elevate the sport’s status and support its athletes.

Efforts to Grow Indian MMA

Despite these challenges, various initiatives are underway to develop MMA in India.

Organisations such as the Mixed Martial Arts Federation India (MMAFI) and the All India Mixed Martial Arts Association (AIMMAA) have been established to govern and promote the sport.

These bodies aim to provide structure, standardise regulations, and support fighters in their professional journeys.

Additionally, the success of the seventh MMA National Championship in May 2024 showcased the sport’s growing traction.

States like Maharashtra, Jammu and Kashmir, and Chhattisgarh demonstrated strong performances, indicating a widening talent pool across the country.

Individual fighters are also taking proactive steps to enhance their skills and gain international experience.

Many are travelling to countries like Thailand to train in renowned gyms, seeking better exposure and advanced coaching to bridge the competitive gap.

India’s rich martial arts heritage, encompassing disciplines like Kalaripayattu, presents an opportunity to develop a unique Indian MMA style.

However, a lack of integration between traditional martial arts and modern MMA training has left this potential untapped.

Promoting indigenous martial arts alongside contemporary MMA techniques could create a distinct and effective fighting style.

The Road Ahead

For Indian MMA to reach elite status, several critical areas must be addressed:

• Improved training facilities and access to experienced coaches
• Greater financial support and sponsorship opportunities
• Increased media coverage and promotional efforts
• The development of a structured amateur MMA system
• Integration of traditional Indian martial arts with modern MMA techniques

While Indian MMA faces numerous challenges, the growing interest in the sport and the efforts of promotions like MFN provide hope for the future.

As one optimistic fan states: “It will take time and many fighters will have to train outside India to be competitive but saying ‘India will never’ is a bit too pessimistic.”

The path to producing elite Indian MMA fighters is long and fraught with obstacles, but with continued investment in infrastructure, training, and promotion, India has the potential to become a significant player in the global MMA scene.

As the sport continues to grow and evolve, it may only be a matter of time before we see an Indian fighter competing at the highest levels of international MMA.