Brave Combat Federation has announced that Abdul “Cutman” Muneer will return to the cage to face Gurdarshan “Saint Lion” Mangat in Mumbai. Gurdarshan has one of the best career records in Indian mixed martial arts, winning in nine out of his ten professional MMA outings.
This record has led Saint Lion to opine that he is the best Indian fighter at the moment.
Abdul Muneer previously faced former UFC fighter and Brave Combat Federation's contender for the featherweight title, Masio Fullen. The match ended in a controversial stoppage three seconds away from the bell.
The former boxer from Calicut, Kerala announced that he was looking for a comeback and the lack of respect must be sought within the cage against Gurdarshan Mangat.
Also read: MMA News: Controversy erupts over the stoppage victory for Masio at BRAVE
The featherweight fighter from Kerala was a former state boxing champion and was under intense training to make his anticipated return. After extensive camps in Kerala and Bangalore, the Cutman moved to Team Relentless to train under ace Indian coach, Jitendra Khare.
Muneer is known for his explosive power and quality standup skills. Feared to be one of the lethal strikers of Indian Mixed Martial Arts, he is focusing on his ground game as well, bringing a new flavour to the rivalry.
Muneer was quoted as saying:
"I had an intense training schedule covering the ground game as well as my stand-up skills. At times, it is better to reply in the cage and let the world know who is the best Indian fighter. I carry just one flag, that of India.
We Indians come through a tough road, feet bleeding towards success, fought for every opportunity. That is what I am proud about. I am from Calicut and fighting from Shivajinagar, Bangalore and I did not run away from my land for an opportunity.
My victory will be a strong message against those who suspect the level of excellence that Indian athletes have achieved over the years. We have talent in India and India is tougher than you can ever imagine.
The support of my friends and fans is so overwhelming that we have already visualised my victory."
Gurdarshan had opted to compete at Featherweight, which is two weight categories over his competing weight. The Saint Lion has trained in some of the elite gyms in the world such as Tristar Gym, Revolution Fight Team/ 10th Planet Jiu Jitsu alongside Rory MacDonald, Georges St-Pierre and Jon Jones.
The Saint Lion had been silent so far about the rivalry but had cited a few months back that:
"I may be wrong but honestly I don’t think that we have enough monumental Indian athletes who have made a strong influence.
That’s what I want to change and I want to become that for Indians. I know that I am the best Indian Fighter but there are other Indian Fighters who think otherwise, and the beauty of MMA is that all questions will be answered in the cage."
Brave has announced to host the fifth edition of the event in Mumbai, India. The event will be held on Saturday, April 22 at Mumbai, in The Dome Stadium of National Sports Club of India.
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