PANAJI
Full body contact combat sports have been in the limelight for decades together. From the reformation of WWF to WWE, we have all grown up. More recently, the craze of WWE has seen a decline with the induction of MMA into the world.
Mixed Martial Arts is often seen as a brutal sport but it has immense fitness benefits. MMA is famously utilized for workout as well, which is quite intense and focuses on strength and endurance. MMA being a full contact combat sport, it helps toning the entire body and strengthens the core and muscles at the same time, generally neglected in the gym.
The craze of MMA in Goa is hitting the state like a tsunami. We have seen an increasing number of training centres, MMA gyms and events being organized in our tiny state. Goa’s Fight Night 2.0, which will be held in Fatorda at the We For Fatorda ground on April 1, is one such platform where athletes from pan India will compete against each other in various weight categories.
Ahead of the event, The Goan caught up with the fans of the sport, who discussed how they feel about the MMA scene in Goa and their expectation from the latest MMA event.
"I love watching UFC and my favorite is Khabib. For me to see the MMA scene growing in Goa is very exciting. I had recently watched a fight in Anjuna and the vibe was crazy. It's a good opportunity for athletes who want to make it to the national level," said Bosco Marottikal from Mapusa. "My friend Maze is going to fight in Goa's Fight Night, so I'm excited for him. He's working really hard and training alot. I hope he does well. And I'll be there to support him."
Kalpesh Kubal from Pernem is also excited to watch MMA live in Goa. "Watching the MMA scene grow in Goa is really amazing. I always watched UFC on TV but watching it live would be a different experience. I personally know a few MMA fighters in Goa, would love to watch them live and grow in their own state.
According to Ujjawal Tripathi, a resident of Panaji, MMA needs support to grow in the country. “The ultimate aim of martial arts is not having to use them. Although most people think this is a brutal sport, it is not completely true. The mindset and camaraderie that comes with training in martial arts is supreme. It allows you to be confident, carry yourself well, and teaches you the reality of violence and how it must be de-escalated, rather than elevated.
"As a sport, MMA requires you to master so many different Olympic sports. It is one of the most technical sports on the planet today. This offers prospective martial artists and participants the chance to reach a peak in their physical training and abilities. MMA being introduced in Goa is great for the sport generally in India as MMA isn’t officially recognised as a sport yet," Tripathi said.
"I feel that MMA is a very widely known sport but not played or pursued by many in Goa. It takes a lot of training and time to get good at but at the same time it's really interesting. In Goa, you won't see many people playing the sport as much as Taekwondo or Karate," said Reese Martins from Porvorim.
"Although it is in my opinion much better because both of them are combined, people are scared of getting hurt because MMA is a full body contact sport and a lot of the parents aren't supportive of it. But now there is a lot more interest in the sport in the new generation which I feel is going to be a good thing."
