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Former Olympic athlete, Arjan Singh Bhullar is one of the most widely recognized names among the MMA and wrestling community both globally and in India.
Over the course of his career as an amateur and professional, he has managed to earn several accolades. Earlier this year, it was announced that Arjan Singh Bhullar was leaving UFC to join ONE Championship.
He appeared in ONE FC, and there he managed to get a rather big win over Mauro Cerrili, although their initial bout was pushed back due to Mauro developing a staph infection.
I was able to catch up with him as he talked about representing India, leaving UFC, fighting for ONE Championship, his relationship with Jinder Mahal, his thoughts about WWE and AEW and a lot more.
On representing India and fans from all over the globe
Q. You have spent a large portion of your career, representing people coming from a variety of backgrounds. What does your ability to represent them in the Octagon mean to you?
ASB: I’m just trying to represent who I am, my story and what I’m about. If that allows me to represent people from different backgrounds and allows them to relate to me, that’s fantastic. I haven’t done anything except tell my story, what has made me successful, who has been there for me along the journey, and be as real as possible. To be able to represent that has been huge for me. It’s a way for me to thank them for helping me to get to where I’m at. It’s a way for me to potentially help others who come from the same background and have the same people in their life, to say, ‘Hey, I connect with that guy. I also come from the same culture, I also come from the same country, I also have similar people in my life. I also can do what he does and have the same success that he has.’
Q. There are still very few major Indian MMA fighters on the world stage. It could be said you are among the most well-known among them. What message would you have to young Indian fighters trying to make their way here?
ASB: Yes, you know. When I first got signed with the UFC, and now with ONE Championship I took that responsibility on my shoulder, that hey I’m the first one to make it at this level, but I’m going to make sure the ones that come after me have it easier. I want to be able to make sure that I’m able to touch them and inspire them, because the country is ready for MMA. We have athletes wrestlers, boxers, very good high-level, world class that can make it in this sport and have a platform for the community, for the country, for the people to tell their stories.
So you know, if I can do that, I would be hugely fulfilled. Join your local boxing or kickboxing gym, and get your basics down. When you can, get out of India to Singapore Evolve MMA, maybe Thailand AKA. Thailand is down there, and there’s quite a few good gyms as well. Broaden your horizons. Like you said it’s very fertile in our country. Once the first generation does that, there will be high level training in the country, gyms in our country, and it will be easier for the next generation.
Continue reading as Arjan Singh Bhullar talks about his debut in ONE FC, leaving the UFC, WWE, AEW, Jinder Mahal, and more
On reason for leaving UFC, ONE FC debut fight being delayed
Q. You recently left UFC to join One Championship. What has that transition been like, and would you like to give your reasons for making this change?
ASB: I left the UFC to join ONE FC and I could not be happier. First of all, the deal that I got was amazing. More importantly than that, the people, how they treat me, the company and how they treat me, has been amazing it’s what I am about. They are the values that I have been raised with in my home, about respect, honor, humility, to fight with courage to represent who you are proudly, all of these things, it has been a natural transition for me. I could not be happier.
Aside from that, the UFC had no plans for India and the Indian market. Not a single person on staff that was Indian. With ONE Championship it was a world of difference. Being on Star Sports, having staff and even an owner who is Indian, from Haryana, it could not have been a better home from me, I’m excited!
Q. Was the delay in your fight against Mauro Cerilli disconcerting? What was your mindset like when he originally had to pull out due to Staph Infection?
ASB: We were very disappointed. We were ready to go against Mauro everything, at the same time Daniel Cormier was getting ready for Stipe’s fight. So we were both training hard with each other, getting ready for each other’s fights. Then obviously, out of our control, Mauro came down with the staph infection, out of his control too.
Things happen in this sport and this life and that’s the way I chalked it up to. It was disappointing, but I was happy with the way the company treated the situation and me personally. They worked with me through it and rebooked us, giving us an opportunity to finish our unfinished business. It was out of our control but we were able to finish the story, which I’m happy with.
Continue reading as Arjan Singh Bhullar talks about what's next, WWE, AEW, his favorite Indian dish, and more.
On Jinder Mahal, WWE, and All Elite Wrestling
Q. It is said that you are really good friends with Jinder Mahal. Would you like to talk about the relationship you share with him?
ASB: Jinder is amazing. Jinder Mahal, his real name is Yuvraj Desi. He’s a wonderful guy, we’ve known each other for over ten years. He knew me when I was still in University and vice versa. We were both trying to make it in the world stage still. He’s been an amazing representative for our community, for our people, as a Champion and athlete in WWE. It couldn’t happen to a nicer guy, very happy that he was able to make it in terms of his goals and aspirations, and he has been very positive towards me, so all love.
Q. On that note, do you have plans to shift to WWE any time in the immediate future, with so many MMA fighters making that change recently?
ASB: There definitely seems to be a trend for a crossover between wrestling and MMA happening. It’s always happened, but now more than ever. Originally the pioneer for that was Ken Shamrock. He used to be in the UFC and then went to WWE way back in the 90s. I’ve been watching him as a kid. They called him the World’s Most Dangerous Man (laughs). I grew up with pro-wrestling and it’s definitely something that interests me. Right now my goal is to be a World Champion and to get my fight booked in ONE. I definitely still watch WWE, I also watch All Elite Wrestling. It’s making huge waves and is also on TNT, like ONE FC is in North America and Bleacher Report Live all over the world. They are two companies that are doing big things and I’ve got my eyes on them.
Continue reading as Arjan Singh Bhullar talks about his next ONE FC fight, his love for Indian food, and more.
On his next ONE Championship fight, fighting in India
Q. Having been successful in your recent fight, is there anyone in mind for your next one? What are your goals for 2020?
ASB: We had a great debut, fantastic card ONE Century, it was the biggest card of the century. We were successful, it was amazing. Tough opponent, Mauro was. It was a great way to get out there and put my stamp on the division and on the company. Obviously, Brendan Vera is the Champion. I’m here to be a World Champion. Whether that’s next or whether that’s down the road remains to be seen. We’re currently in talks to book a fight in early 2020, first quarter. We should have an opponent locked down.
Q. Many fighters open gyms after they have retired. What are your plans following your fighting career?
ASB: My mind’s not there, man. I’m fully invested in the present. Being a World Champion and taking the sport to India and being a part of all of that. After those goals are achieved, I will continue competing and I will set new goals.
Q. Can you see yourself fighting in India in the immediate future?
ASB: I can definitely see myself fighting in India. If it’s in the near-future, that would be even better, but that’s up to the company and the market. I wrestled in the Commonwealth Games in Delhi. It was a dream come true. Funny now, with Ritu (Phogat) on the roster. Her sisters were there on the Commonwealth Games. The story’s been told through Dangal. I’d love for us to lead the way with the sport of MMA in India.
Q. On a lighter note, living in Canada, what would you say is your favorite Indian dish?
ASB: Homemade, would be Alu Parantha is amazing. Anything made at home with the love of your mother is amazing.
Q. Finally, when you are not fighting, what are some of your hobbies?
ASB: Just spending time with family and your loved ones. It’s not about doing as much anymore. I travel because of the fight game, so when I’m not, I like to stay in town and be with my loved ones. That’s my favourite hobby of all.
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