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The Kumite 1 League is here this weekend with their inaugural show, which is set to feature some of the top Indian fighters facing some of the best International fighters, as Team India takes on Team UAE, in what is sure to be one huge debut night.
The advent of the K1L is immense for many reasons, not the least of which is the fact that it is sure to inject a huge amount of life into the veins of the Indian Mixed Martial Arts Scene. Though MMA arrived late at the borders of the Cricket-crazy nation, it has since taken root in a big way, and will be almost impossible to ever kick out.
What the K1L offers Indian MMA fighters or aspiring MMA fighters, is a huge opportunity, as it creates competition in the nation's rather lacklustre MMA scene. With the exception of Super Fight League, there has been a definite dearth in options for any fighter who wants to make a living from being an MMA fighter in India.
This weekend's K1L show might be just what is needed to put a stop to that.
In this article, we will be taking a look at three more fighters from this weekend's show. For a look at our previous list, please click here.
#1. Swapnil Lalit Barve:
At the age of 29, Swapnil is just another MMA Fighter in India. What makes him a standout performer to have gotten where he is, it is that he received no support whatsoever from his family to realise his Mixed Martial Arts dreams. His younger brother Kunal Barve and Coaches Alan and Daniel helped him to reach this point by continuing his training in MMA.
Due to this support, he was able to win the Bronze Medal in Sambo during the 2014 Common Wealth Games. This is what changed his family's attitude towards him, and begin supporting his venture into the risky but amazing world of Mixed Martial Arts.
Whereas before his own condition economically was not good, he managed to do somehow survive. He talked about the lack of recognition and financial support for MMA in India, but with K1L, this could be changing.
For Swapnil, it was through his MMA career that he was able to interact with more people, being an introvert himself. It helped him to develop his personality and divert his anger and emotions through the right outlet.
#2. Kantharaj Agasa:
Given his father's background in wrestling, Kantharaj did not have as tough a time as some of the other Indian fighters on this list to take up the sport as a career option. While his father became a farmer later in life, he supported his son's journey in Mixed Martial Arts.
He followed his father's footsteps and become a wrestler as well while learning Judo. He won a championship and joined the nation's army, where he served for 5 years. He returned from his army life to train in MMA and watched UFC as a source of inspiration.
Inspired by the likes of Mike Tyson and GSP he hopes to become one of the MMA greats in the coming years. To achieve that, however, he will be helped by the new opportunities presented by the Kumite 1 League
#3. Dmitriy Batok:
Coming from Kiev in Ukraine, Dmitrity is one of the top foriegn fighters in tomorrow's K1L. He did not have the toughest time getting into MMA, due to the support of his family.
He chose MMA because he believed that MMA was a sport which required warrior-like skills something he always aspired to. He began fighting at only 18 years of age and has since become a top fighter.
His role in K1L will only help him further, and he will also be able to meet his idol, Mike Tyson.
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