The Indian MMA Community Sends Their Messages for Pioneer Ritu Phogat Ahead of Her Final Against Stamp Fairtex

Published 12/01/2021, 5:54 AM EST

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India’s top female mixed martial artist enters the biggest fight of her career at ONE: WINTER WARRIORS. Ritu “The Indian Tigress” Phogat meets Stamp Fairtex in the ONE Women’s Atomweight World Grand Prix Championship Final for a chance to raise the prestigious tournament silver belt and then compete against “Unstoppable” Angela Lee for her ONE Atomweight World Title.  

 Ahead of her co-main event showdown, some of the 27-year-old’s national comrades shared their support for “The Indian Tigress,” letting the world know exactly why they are very confident of Phogat’s chances inside the Singapore Indoor Stadium this Friday, 3 December.  

When Is Ritu Phogat Fighting Next? One: Winter Warriors; Time, Date, Venue

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Ritu Phogat looks to make history at ONE: WINTER WARRIORS

 ONE lightweight athlete Rahul “The Kerala Krusher” Raju believes the battle between the pair will end on the canvas. From there, the Singaporean-based athlete is certain Phogat will ease her way to a memorable victory. “I believe Ritu will win, I believe Ritu’s wrestling will be too much for Stamp Fairtex,” the 30-year-old martial artist said. “I am looking forward to watching Ritu Phogat versus Stamp Fairtex.” 

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Apart from Phogat’s world-class grappling skills, Raju is confident that the Indian Wrestling Champion will simply win it based on her determination to succeed. “My message to Ritu is to make India proud, get that belt, and be efficient in using your energy. I am 100 percent sure Ritu is going to smash that,” he added. 

 Meanwhile, Himanshu Kaushik also offered a vote of confidence for his Indian colleague. The ONE strawweight competitor expects a close battle between Phogat and Stamp. But just like Raju, Kaushik believes Phogat’s knowledge on the ground will power her one step closer toward her dream of becoming India’s first female Mixed Martial Arts World Champion. “Both fighters are warriors. This final fight will go toe-to-toe. Striker versus grappler,” the wushu specialist said. “If this fight goes to the ground, then definitely Ritu’s going to win the match. As an Indian, I will cheer for Ritu.” He also reminded the highly decorated wrestling phenom that an entire nation is rooting for her. “Ritu,” he said, “you are the best, and you are not alone – the whole of India and all Indians are with you. Go and make us proud. India, India!” 

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 Meanwhile, flyweight fighter Kantharaj “Kannadiga” Agasa believes his countrymate’s key to victory in the ONE Atomweight Grand Prix Final is to display her best performance to date. Agasa knows Phogat will win the contest on the canvas but hopes the Evolve MMA athlete can fend off Stamp’s attacks on the feet to get the job done. “Ritu has already shown her skills to the world. We Indians are very proud of you. She has given her best till now. We are expecting the best performance from her,” the 29-year-old Bangalore resident said. “If you give your best, then you’re going to win.” 

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Kevin Binoy

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Kevin Binoy is a senior UFC author at EssentiallySports. He earned a Bachelor's degree from Fergusson College and has been covering sports professionally for over two years. Besides working with the MMA desk, Kevin is a core member of the organization's web stories team and is responsible for delivering engaging MMA web stories.
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