Indian MMA fighter Kiran Singh on Road to UFC journey, dream fight, upcoming fight against Feng Xiaocan, training camp & more (Exclusive)

Kiran Singh, originally from Punjab, India, has forged her way through sweat, sacrifice, and pure drive. Her adventure began in local gyms, where she refined her talents under the supervision of experienced teachers. Singh’s consistent work ethic and unshakeable spirit piqued the interest of MMA scouts, propelling her to the Road to UFC.

Singh, 24, has a professional record of six wins and three defeats. Her hitting abilities, along with a strong ground game, make her a tough opponent. As she takes the stage, Singh bears the dreams of a nation—a nation yearning for its first UFC champion.

India's Kiran Singh will take on China's Feng Xiaocan in the Road to UFC strawweight tournament in China (Via ~ @mmaecosystem) #RoadToUFC #RTU #IndianMMA pic.twitter.com/Z54PH3EsvT

— MMA India (@MMAIndiaShow) March 29, 2024

We at Khel Now had a wonderful opportunity to talk with Kiran Singh who will soon be facing Feng Xiaocan. She talked about various things in her career. Below is the transcript from the interaction.

What do you have to say about your opponent Feng Xiaocan going into Road to UFC?

“I want to say this about my opponent, I have traded some blows with her. She is a good player. She fights by striking more.”

How did you get into MMA and who was your inspiration?

“I have been training in Mixed Martial Arts for the past 12 years and my inspiration is my father. My father was a former wrestler. So, from my childhood, I have heard about him, and seen him. So, I got my inspiration from there.”

How did MMA change your life?

“Since I started doing MMA it totally changed my life. First of all my schedule has been changed and another thing that I love about MMA is that it helped me gain popularity. Firstly, I was just like a toddler but slowly when I started reaching better platforms in my career we gained more popularity alongside.”

How was your training?

“I haven’t trained myself in foreign countries. I have got my training from Coach only. He made many changes coming into the match. I have been trained by the same coach since childhood. This time he changed some things in my schedule which will help me come into the fight. Mr Tejwir Singh, he is from Delhi is the one who trained me. His team and coach have been really helpful in the progress of my training.”

How is your experience going into Road to UFC?

“I am having one of the best experiences of my life and this time has changed my life and schedule. It made me become more aware and understand the seriousness of the situation. Also, it helped me learn the importance of time in an athlete’s life. “

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Is there any fighter you always wanted to fight ever?

No, I never had any dream fighter as such. Because I believe everybody is the best and I don’t like to compare myself with anybody. I don’t have any dream where I’m like, ‘I want to fight this guy’, ’cause I believe everybody is the best. I just prefer to give my best performance. But there has been a fighter who has been a constant inspiration for me since, I started doing MMA, Manoj Chauhan.

What is your favourite submission maneuver?

“Coming into this fight, I have totally changed my strategy whether it is kicking or striking I have made changes in my game style. So, you might see new things in my fight. I don’t want to be just dependent on Part A or Part B, I have trained myself to use all the weapons in my arsenal, whether it is submission or striking, I will give my all.”

What are your goals this year and anything you would like to share with your fans?

To perform at Road to UFC and survive this platform, will be the biggest goal this year. Then I want to tell my supporters that I will try my best to bring in results and hope I receive support throughout my time in the MMA.”

Watch Road to UFC on 18th and 19th May 2024 from 3:30 PM IST onwards LIVE on Sony Sports Ten 2 SD & HD, Sony Sports Ten 3 SD & HD (Hindi), Sony Sports Ten 4 SD & HD (Tamil & Telugu).

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