Manipur hosts the 2-day Sangai Mixed Martial Arts event.

Imphal: For the first time, the two-day Sangai Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) was organized as part of the ongoing state-level Sangai Festival 2022 in Imphal, Manipur.

More than 48 MMA fighters, including eight international fighters and 12 professional fighters, participated in the event, which was held on November 25 and 26 at the Khuman Lampak Indoor Stadium.

Of the total 48 fighters, three were from Egypt and one each from Tajikistan, Iran, Ireland, Algeria and Austria. While eight fighters were from Manipur, the rest were from different states of the country.

Organized by the 7 Sisters Foundation in association with UFC Gym Imphal, the Sangai MMA event was aimed at promoting the sport among the youth of the state.

Manipur is a sports powerhouse in the country and we have produced many MMA athletes. But the sport is yet to get proper exposure in the state. That’s why we came up with the idea of ​​organizing the event to inspire our youth to pursue their dreams of becoming MMA athletes, which is the fastest growing sport globally,” UFC Gym Imphal manager and owner Rinkui W Shimre said.

International fighters from eight different countries participated in the event. The purpose of the event was to make the youth more aware of the sport,” he said.

Speaking to East Mojo, International Mixed Martial Arts Federation (IMMAF) President Keith Brown said, “Manipur has produced the most combat sports athletes in the country MMA could be the next sport of its kind.

“We want to create an environment where amateur athletes can improve their skills and become professionals and hope that one day an athlete in Manipur will represent the state as a UFC champion,” he added.

On behalf of Chief Minister N Baran Singh, the two-day Sangai MMA also saw MMA India President and AMMAF South Asia Director Sharif Babu. UFC Gym India Chairman Farzad Palia; Istaiq Ansari, Founder and MD of UFC Gym India; Former Miss India and actress Pooja Chopra attended.