Ritu “The Indian Tigress” Phogat’s quest to become her country’s first-ever female MMA World Champion took a huge dent last Friday, 3 December, at ONE: WINTER WARRIORS inside the Singapore Indoor Stadium. 

The 27-year-old was beaten at her own game by Thailand’s Stamp Fairtex. The highly-decorated wrestler started the match aggressively, searching for a takedown at every opportunity. But the Thai’s brilliant takedown defense and eagerness to keep the fight on the feet frustrated the Indian sensation. 

She managed to take the contest to the canvas late in the first round, but the Fairtex athlete reverted to the stand-up game immediately. Things were pretty much the same in the second stanza.  

“The Indian Tigress” pushed for more takedowns and was successful in catching Stamp’s lead leg. However, the constant pursuit of the ground game eventually gave Phogat’s foe an opening. 

On the ground, Stamp locked Phogat’s head in a triangle choke from guard. Phogat fended off tremendous pressure by escaping. But her struggles did not end as she was caught in an armbar, forcing her to tap at the 2:14 mark of the second frame.  

Read More: WATCH: Stamp Fairtex Sets Up a Fight With Angela Lee After Dominant Win Over Ritu Phogat at ONE: WINTER WARRIORS

Ritu Phogat responds to Conor McGregor’s Tweet

Following the defeat, as reported by EssentiallySports, Conor McGregor offered his words of encouragement to the Evolve MMA star via Twitter. 

“Hard luck today Ritu Phogat! A setback for a greater comeback! Let’s go Ritu! Let’s go India! We march on!,” the Irishman posted.  

On Saturday, 4 December, Phogat responded to McGregor.  

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“Thank you so much for your love and support @TheNotoriousMMA. It means a lot. Shall come back stronger than ever,” the Singapore-based athlete replied.  

This was not the first time the two engaged in a conversation on social media. The former mixed martial arts world champion congratulated Phogat after the latter’s Grand Prix semifinal win over Jenelyn Olsim at ONE: NEXTGEN on 29 October. 

Phogat, the #4-ranked atomweight, might feel dejected following this defeat, but “The Indian Tigress” should keep her chin up. Her performances throughout the ONE Women’s Atomweight World Grand Prix Championship makes her a force to reckon with in the division for years to come. 

Read More: WATCH: Regian Eersel Makes It 18-Wins in a Row With a Split Decision Win Over Islam Murtazaev at One: Winter Warriors