Desi Today Magazine
This accomplishment was a dream-come-true moment for Bhullar, his family and also for millions of Indian MMA fans across the world who have waited for decades to see someone of Indian-Origin popularize Indian wrestling skills on the MMA platform.
Born and brought up in Lower Mainland, 35-year-old Bhullar’s life has been inspirational for the community and young South Asian kids. With his hard work and dedication, Bhullar has taken wrestling to a new level in Canada.
He comes from a family of wrestlers that came and settled in Canada in the 1970s. With limited resources but an abundance of hard work and perseverance, his father Avtar became a legend by being the first to excel in both the traditional Indian style of wrestling (Kushti) and Olympic style wrestling. He helped establish the Bhullar Wrestling Club decades ago, which still runs as a non-profit today providing free coaching to dozens of community kids.
Carrying on his family tradition, young Bhullar started getting training when he was in his diapers. He won multiple provincial and national high school championships. Building upon his success at the university level, Bhullar was able to have some early success while competing for Canada. He won a bronze medal at the 2007 Pan American Games in the freestyle 120kg category. He was named Wrestler of the Year in 2009 and followed that up with the gold medal performance in Delhi at the 2010 Commonwealth Games over the hometown hero from India. He also became the first Punjabi descent Canadian to qualify for Olympics in 2012.
He turned to mixed martial arts in 2014. He made his UFC debut at UFC 215 in September 2017. After that, he was approached by ONE championship.
Bhullar has now defeated long-time divisional king Brandon Vera to bring home the champions’ big belt. Celebrities across the world including the Canadian Prime Minister congratulated him for his success at MMA.
Being a true competitor and a champion is one part of Bhullar’s story, living every aspect of his life as a champion, is something he continues to work towards. Knowing the world needs more than just athletes to help make it a better place, Bhullar continues to be extremely passionate and devoted to the community. He has continually donated his time, energy, and money towards various causes and non-profit organizations.
In an interview with Desi Today magazine, Bhullar reflects on his career trajectory, decision to enter MMA, and his future plans
How do you feel to be crowned as the first-ever person of Indian origin as ONE MMA heavyweight champion?
I feel amazing. I feel grateful to be able to live up to my dreams and being the first from our community makes it extra special. Something that will stay in the history books forever.
How was the reaction of family and the local community?
Fantastic reaction! Family first and foremost was always concerned about my health, safety and wellness. And after that everybody was ecstatic, proud, relieved, and excited. It was similar with the community and kids. Everyone is very proud that one of their members has reached the top of the mount for the sport.
Could you please share with our readers a little bit about your journey as a wrestler?
I have been wrestling since I was in my diapers. My dad wrestled before me. The whole family supported him in his dreams. Then the next generation of 10 boys everybody wrestled and I was able to go furthest with it. Everybody supported me. It was just a family dream and a family lineage that carried me through to the Olympics and even beyond where I am today.
You have made Canada proud by winning so many international wrestling championships. How and when did you decide to make the transition to MMA?
I decided to make the transition to MMA heading into the Olympics. My mind was already made up. On the back end, I felt I had done everything with the sports of wrestling and have been doing it since I was a kid. So wanted to do something different where I could use my skill set. I saw the opportunity in MMA.
Is the training of an MMA fighter very different from that of a wrestler? Was the transition difficult for you?
The training is very different. When you train in wrestling or any other form of martial art you are specializing in one form. For example, boxers are specialists with their two hands. MMA is everything where you have to know how to use your hands, kicks, your knees, your elbows, your submissions. There are so many different ways to win. If one guy is better in one area, you can beat him in another and still win the fight. The transition from a wrestler to an MMA fighter was difficult but at the same time exciting for me. I learned new skill sets with new coaches in a new training environment.
Where does MMA stand in terms of popularity in Canada?
I think it hit its peak with Georges St-Pierre (GSP) when he was a champion. I think he created many future champions — a whole generation of kids who wanted to fight because of him. But Canadians still love this sport. Close proximity to the US and Vegas really helps.
Tell us something about your look as an MMA fighter. You are donning an armor and a mace (bhala).
I opted to hold a mace in my hand of Hanuman or Gadda because that was gifted to me as a trophy by the great Dara Singh Ji at one of my victories. He was a special guest of honour. And I took that as passing of the torch. He was a legend. I carry that with me to my fights to represent my culture and my wrestling lineage from India.
When the MMA commentator announced your victory, he said “it is a proud moment for India” and “an Indian has won MMA”. Why is that?
I’m born and raised as a Canadian. I’m proud of who I am. I’ve represented the Maple Leaf proudly for many years on the world stage. My parents came here for a better future and opportunity. And I’m a product of that. And I’ll always be thankful for Canada for that. My blood still comes from Punjab and I am proud of my roots. There was an opportunity because the company asked me to represent the Indian lineage flag. Canada has had GSP while there was no one from India. So, I thought it was a great opportunity to represent my Indian lineage.
How do you think your victory will revolutionize the future of the sport in India? And how do you plan to promote it further in India?
People in India can now see that someone who talks like them, walks like them, speaks similar language has the same family values, is able to do this. Once you ignite the hope, people will come up. We are going to make sure to create that training environment. We are working on that now and there will be a path for many others to follow.
You were down with COVID. Did it affect your dream of participating in ONE championship?
We all got Covid. A few rough days definitely but we made it through. I counted my blessings. It never hammered my dreams to participate in ONE Championship. This was my lifelong goal and Covid wasn’t going to stop me. I had been waiting for this for my life nothing would have stopped me from winning this gold.
What are your future plans?
My next step is to defend the title. And also, before that, I want to enter Pro Wrestling. It has been on my wish list for my entire life.
What is your message to all those who want to follow your footsteps?
It is very rewarding for me. Always do what is rewarding to you and chase it down. I always wanted to do this. I lived my dream. I love competing, I love high-level danger, and one on one competition.
- Compiled by Surbhi Gogia
