16 November,2017 06:29 PM IST | Singapore | mid-day online correspondent
Bharat Khandare becomes the first- Indian born athlete to step into the world-famous Octagon
UFC®, the world's leading Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) organization has officially announced the signing of Bharat 'Daring' Khandare (5-2-0, fighting out of Maharashtra, India). With this addition to the world's most elite roster of MMA athletes, Khandare becomes the first ever Indian born fighter to fight in the UFC. Making his debut at ufc fight night® shanghai: bisping vs. gastelum presented by General Tire on November 25th, Khandare will face off against Chinese national, Liu Pingyuan (10-5, fighting out of China).
Fighting in the bantamweight division, Khandare is the second fighter of Indian origin to enter the UFC, but the first to be born in India. Born in Maharashtra, the 28-year-old trains out of Superhuman Gym, in his hometown. Rapidly gaining fans, he will soon have the support of not just the growing number of UFC supporters in India but will be welcomed by loyal fans around the world.
"We're very pleased to announce that Bharat Khandare has been signed by UFC." Kevin Chang, Vice President UFC Asia Pacific said "Bharat will now compete against the most skilled MMA athletes in the world, all who are at the pinnacle of the sport."
"Bharat is the first Indian born athlete to be signed to the world's leading MMA organization. We look forward to welcoming more athletes from Asia as we continue to grow our presence here. We are looking forward to seeing fans from India and all around the world support him in his promising UFC career. He will make his debut at UFC Fight Night Shanghai on November 25th, a historic event for the UFC and now a historic moment for all Indian fight fans around the world," Chang added.
Khandare made his way into the UFC after emerging as one of the best athletes in leading local MMA promotions where he was crowned featherweight champion. With a wrestling and kickboxing background, he once trained at Jackson-Wink in Albuquerque, New Mexico, home to UFC superstars Holly Holm and BJ Penn.
On joining the UFC, Khandare shared "Making it to the UFC is a dream for any MMA fighter. It's the number one MMA organization in the world, and being able to fight here, for my country, my family, my team at Superhuman Gym and myself is a really proud moment for me. I have worked very hard over the past few years on becoming a better athlete, but to compete at this level, I need to continue to work even harder. I will enter the Octagon for the first fight in Shanghai, and I hope that fans across the world, especially my countrymen and women will support me on my journey. Getting to the UFC was my first step, I need to stay in there, prove myself and work hard to be the first ever to get their hands on that belt from the subcontinent. The pressure that comes along with this responsibility will help me perform and prove that I belong here.
Khandare continued, "As the first Indian born UFC fighter, I'm hoping that I open the door for other young Indian athletes to embark on this journey, or at least the journey to compete in leading leagues around the world, whether it be UFC, NBA or the Premier League. I hope I inspire young Indian sportsmen and women believe in themselves and pursue their dreams. Jai Hind"
