Wrestler-turned-MMA fighter Sangram Singh is set to make history as the first Indian to compete in MMA in Argentina. He reflects on his journey from rural wrestling grounds to the global stage, emphasising discipline and a holistic approach to fitness
As he gears up to face French fighter Florian Coudiere in Buenos Aires on April 5, wrestler-turned-MMA fighter Sangram Singh is stepping into uncharted territory as the first Indian to compete in MMA on Argentine soil.
In Delhi, he spoke about discipline, fitness, his journey from akhaadas to the global stage, and balancing sport with stints in entertainment.‘Akhaade ki mitti mere dil ke bahut kareeb hai’Despite having multiple feathers in his hat, Sangram feels deeply connected to his roots. “Waise maine gaaon ki mitti se start kiya, pehli kushti main vahin khela tha. Phir mitti se mat jane ka mauka mila. Then I was a professional athlete for many years.
I got a chance to do many shows in entertainment. I did one or two films. I got a chance with MMA. And in the middle of this… a chapter of my life was featured in a school book, then I found out about motivational speaking.
Lekin aaj bhi akhaade ki mitti mere dil ke bahut kareeb hai kyunki ussi se maine shuruaat ki aur woh hamesha rahegi,” he said.
Sangram has been on reality TV and also starred in Bollywood
‘Entertainment industry is harder than it looks’A Bigg Boss finalist in 2013, he has participated in numerous reality TV shows and also starred in Bollywood.
Discussing how the two industries pose different challenges, he said that initially, the entertainment industry was difficult. “When I started doing reality TV, I understood that it’s far tougher than it looks. I remember shooting in Kachchh Bhumi in over 50-degree temperatures, layered in heavy costumes.
These shows offer minimal security or safety – you just have to perform. Whether it’s Survivor, Bigg Boss, or a dance show, the challenges are intense and very different.
Even if you’re unwell or running a fever, the expectation is to deliver. Unlike sports, where you can pause with a medical certificate, here there’s no such buffer – you perform, or you fall behind.”The wrestler married Payal Rohatgi in 2022 after they met on the sets of Survivor India. Sharing how her support helps him, he said, “There are only a few people who are what they look like. If they don’t like someone, they will say in front of you that you are not good.
She is like that and gives honest advice. We have made rules at home so that we can stay happily married. Ek toh koi bewajah salaah nahi dega. Secondly, if someone needs advice, they should ask the person if they are free and have time.
Thirdly, while eating, koi kaam ki baat nahi karega.”
Sangram showed off some of his exercises and shared that he focused on a holistic approach to fitness
Sangram has the body of a 20-year-old: CoachAn active fighter at 40, Sangram’s diet remains an intriguing question. A pure vegetarian and a believer of naturopathy, he shared, “I eat everything, but I stick to simple, homecooked food, milk, ghee, even sweets in moderation.
In Delhi, I often tell people, ‘ghar ka khana le aana,’ because I avoid fast food and cold drinks. I believe in eating what’s natural and staying connected to it. I work out regularly and stay consistent with my routine.
Success or failure isn’t fully in our hands, but the effort is. And it’s always about destiny. So the focus should be on discipline, trying your best, and maintaining a balanced lifestyle.”His coach, Bhupesh Kumar, said, “We are well-prepared for the fight (against Florian), but along with it we need everyone’s support and good wishes. He’s 40, but age is just a number for him because his body is like that of a 20-year-old man. He works out more than young men,” to which Sangram playfully retorted, “Coach sahab motivate karte hain ki 20 saal ki tarah body hai aur har baar ring mein phenk dete hain! (laughs)”‘I tell young people not to chase the size-zero idea’Talking about the usage of supplements for sports, he said that becoming an athlete is not about shortcuts.
“Agar apko khiladi banna hai toh koi injection ya goli nahi, aapki mehnat aapko banaegi. Ye domestic level pe checking aur testing nahi hoti. Ab kisi ko hath pakad ke rok toh nahi sakte lekin awareness phaila sakte hain ki yeh tareeka galat hai,” he said, adding, “I’d tell young people not to chase the size-zero idea, but to focus on health and fitness – wellness comes with time.
Today’s generation is creative but impatient; six-packs and quick results seem enticing to them.
But what often gets overlooked is the years of discipline, training, and careful diet behind any transformation. Instead of shortcuts or comparisons, learn from that journey. Hard work beats talent – and the ability to work hard is a gift in itself.”
‘Success or failure isn’t fully in our hands, but the effort is’
‘I believe in nature more than science’Sangram showed off some of his exercises and shared that he focused on a holistic approach to fitness. “I have been doing yoga for around 30 years. After my rheumatoid arthritis got cured, I focused on yoga and naturopathy. I believe in nature more than science and apply it to my life. Staying fit requires a holistic approach instead of following one specific model like yoga, weight training or running. I believe that becoming famous is an event, and success is a process.
Everyone has their own destiny and is on their own journey,” he said.
