Richmond, BC: Canada’s own Arjan Singh Bhullar is the first fighter of South Asian descent to become an MMA (mixed martialarts) world champion after defeating Brandon (The Truth) Vera in Singapore recently and get the One Championship’s heavyweight title.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau tweeted: “Arjan Singh Bhullar – world champion – congratulations, @TheOneASB (MMA World Champion Olympian (Freestyle Wrestling) Commonwealth Games Gold Medalist ! Whether at the Pan Am Games, the Commonwealth Games, or the Olympics, you’ve always competed with courage and made Canadians proud. Bravo.”
“Richmond born and raised,” the former Canadian Olympic wrestler declared after winning the title, although he represented India at the title fight – because he was told by One Championship that could represent only one counrty “and they wanted me to represent India.”
He was quoted by Canadian media as saying: “I’m proud of who I am,” he said. “I’ve represented the Maple Leaf proudly for many years on the world stage. My parents came here for a better future and opportunity. And I’m a product of that. And I’ll always be thankful for Canada for that.
“But even when representing the Maple Leaf, you’re representing your culture and your roots. And if you’re able to do that, it’s a great deal.”
Bhullar reasoned that Canada already had two Ultimate Fighting Championship holders in Carlos Newton and Georges StPierre – so this win could inspire a lot of fighters in India as well. Bhullar who is 6’ 1’ and weights 241 lb has a record of 11- 1-0, and he defeated Vera in the second round of the contest.
Bhullar won bronze at the 2007 Pan American Games in Rio de Janeiro and gold at the 2012 Commonwealth Games in India, was named Canadian Wrestler of the Year in 2009 and finished 13th at the 2012 Olympics in London. He fought four fights for UFC, winning three of them, before turning to mixed martial arts.
He turned to mixed martial arts because he didn’t want to give up competition when his wrestling career ended. His first pro MMA fight was in November 2014.
Randeep S. Sarai, Member of Parliament for Surrey Centre tweeted: “Congratulations to BC’s very own, Arjan Bhullar, for becoming the ONE MMA Heavyweight World Champion! We’re incredibly proud of your achievement; and look forward to seeing you continue to represent the South Asian community as you dominate on the world stage of MMA