(April 30, 2026) Wrestler, Commonwealth champion, MMA fighter, actor and motivational speaker, Sangram Singh has built a multi-dimensional career across sport and entertainment. His recent international MMA victories, including a historic win in Argentina, mark a new chapter in an already expansive journey.
Sangram Singh had a difficult childhood. He suffered from rheumatoid arthritis, a chronic autoimmune inflammatory disorder that caused constant pain, swelling and irritation in his joints. For the first eight years of his life, he had no option but to use a wheelchair.
Most children made fun of him and school was an everyday struggle. Yet somewhere deep inside was a fighter waiting to emerge. Watching youngsters in his village take to kushti (wrestling) and earn respect, Sangram decided to follow suit and become a pahelwan. He fought his battles relentlessly and went on to become a world-class fighter, motivating millions. “Every fight is either a win or a lesson,” smiles Sangram Singh in a conversation with The Global Indian.
Sangram returned to India last week after creating history in Buenos Aires, becoming the first Indian to win a professional MMA bout on Argentine soil. This marked his third consecutive international victory.
Sangram Singh after his recent win
A historic win in Buenos Aires
Facing France’s Florian Coudier, Sangram delivered a swift and decisive finish at the Tigre Sports Club, wrapping up the fight in just 1 minute and 45 seconds. The bout began with quick exchanges, with Florian relying on speed and striking, including a sharp kick to the ribs.
The moment Florian extended his leg, Sangram capitalised. Using his wrestling instinct, he caught the kick mid-air, brought him down and immediately shifted the fight to the ground.
Control and technique
What followed was a display of control and technique. Sangram transitioned into a chokehold, tightening his grip and leaving little room for escape. After repeated checks from the referee, Florian was forced to submit.
“It was a dream-come-true moment and proved how experience and technique can overpower speed,” says the MMA champion, who underwent intense preparation and strict discipline. He credits his coach Bhupesh, who has trained him for over 25 years.
Winning hearts in Argentina
“Despite being a visiting fighter, the crowd was cheering for me. That was deeply encouraging,” he says.
His Argentina victory adds to his growing MMA record, following wins in Tbilisi and Amsterdam. After this 83 kg category win, Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya announced support for his involvement in initiatives promoting fitness and youth participation in sports across India.
Breakthrough in Tbilisi
In October 2024, Sangram made his MMA debut at the Gama International Fighting Championship in Tbilisi, Georgia, against Pakistan’s Ali Raza Nasir. “When the opponent is Pakistani, the pressure is obvious,” he says.
Sangram defeated Nasir in just 90 seconds. “It was a tough match,” he adds. The win marked a significant milestone as he became one of the first Indian wrestlers to successfully transition into professional MMA.
Amsterdam victory
In November 2025, Sangram competed in the Levels Fight League in Amsterdam, defeating Tunisian fighter Hakim Trabelsi in his second professional MMA bout. “He was a champion and my toughest opponent so far,” says Sangram, recipient of several honours including World Peace Brand Ambassador of the Wockhardt Group. With this victory, he became the first Indian athlete to compete in and win a bout in the league.
Championship glory and recognition
In July 2015, Sangram won the WWP Commonwealth Heavyweight Championship after defeating Joe E. Legend in a ‘Last Man Standing’ match in Port Elizabeth.
Following the win, Prime Minister Narendra Modi invited him to Parliament to congratulate him. “It was one of the proudest moments of my career,” he says. He had earlier been awarded the World’s Best Professional Wrestler title by World Wrestling Professionals in 2012 in South Africa. In 2016, he won the Commonwealth Heavyweight Championship again, defeating South African wrestler Ananzi.
Sangram Singh with PM Modi
Comeback in Dubai
After a six-year hiatus, Sangram returned to professional wrestling at the Dubai Pro International Wrestling Championship in February 2024, defeating Pakistan’s Mohammad Saeed. “The stadium was packed as it was an India vs Pakistan bout,” he recalls.
Turning point: Sharjah advice
After the Dubai win, Sheikh Sultan bin Muhammed Al-Qasimi, ruler of Sharjah, encouraged him to transition to MMA. “Until then, I did not know much about MMA,” Sangram says. “I smiled and nodded, but later I researched it seriously and decided to switch,” he says adding, “In MMA, nearly 80 percent is wrestling, which is my strength,” he adds. Entering MMA at 40 makes his journey particularly remarkable
Roots in Haryana
Born in Madina village of Rohtak, Haryana, Sangram comes from a Jat family. His father, Umed Singh, is a retired Army soldier, and his mother, Ramu Devi, is a homemaker. “Due to health issues, I was very weak as a child,” he recalls. He completed his schooling in Rohtak, studied at Jat College and later pursued an MA in History through correspondence.
Early career in Delhi Police
Sangram began his career with Delhi Police in 1999 as a constable. He represented the force at the All India Police Games in 2005, winning a bronze medal. “It was a proud moment for me and the entire department,” he says.
His life journey has since been included as a chapter in Hindi textbooks for Class 7 students. He also played his first international match in Chandigarh in February 2016, dedicating the proceeds to cancer patients.
Discipline and training
Sangram has worked out every single day for the past 34 years. “Whether I eat or get late, I never miss my workouts,” he says. His routine includes long-distance running and yoga.
The ghee diet
A pure vegetarian, Sangram is particular about his diet. During his Argentina trip, he carried homemade food and pure cow ghee. “My sister packed churma, parathas and laddoos,” he says. “In Argentina, I also enjoyed fresh milk and juices.” He consumes around 200 grams of ghee daily, even before bouts. “It keeps me strong and energised.”
Motivating the next generation
The wrestler actively supports social causes and delivers motivational talks to corporates and students. “I share my life journey with them,” he says. He has addressed athletes representing India at the Commonwealth Games and students at IIT Delhi. He has also collaborated with the AYUSH Ministry and NDMC to promote yoga and wellness.
Acting career
Sangram has appeared in films like Uvaa (2015) and Valentine’s Night (2012), and TV shows such as SuperCops vs Supervillains. “Acting requires depth. It took time and effort to learn,” he says. He has also featured in reality shows like Survivor India, Bigg Boss 7 and Nach Baliye 7, along with music videos such as “Sadgi” and “Pagdi Ka Maan”.
In 2018, filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt presented his first music video. Sangram has also walked the ramp for designers including Sanjana Jon and Nitya Bajaj.
Giving back
The wrestler founded the Sangram Singh Charitable Foundation to support the underprivileged and nurture aspiring sports talent, and has been engaged in several philanthropic initiatives. Recently he adopted 23 children from Haryana and is sponsoring their education. He has also adopted a school in Satara, Maharashtra. “God has been kind to me. It is my responsibility to uplift children from backward areas,” he says. Through his foundation, he organised wrestling awards in 2017 to honour overlooked Indian medal winners.
Standing by his values
Despite multiple offers, Sangram refuses to endorse products he does not believe in. “I have turned down advertisements for soft drinks, alcohol, tobacco and betting apps,” he says. “I don’t promote what I don’t consume or support.” He believes celebrities should be mindful of their influence on young audiences.
Beyond wrestling
A cricket enthusiast, Sangram enjoys both watching and playing the sport. He also serves as the brand ambassador for the Haryana Kabaddi League.
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