Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) was first introduced in 1985 by Japan's Shooto organization. However, the MMA that we know now was first introduced on 12th November 1993. It is one of many Martial Arts such as boxing, wrestling, judo, jujitsu, karate, Muay Thai (Thai boxing), and other disciplines. MMA is also believed to be a part of the ancient Olympic Games in 648 BC where Greek armies used to fight in front of a huge crowd. It has not been a long time since MMA entered Nepal's martial arts. Rage Fitness was the only gym that provided Nepali fighters with the training for MMA for the first time.
31-year-old Santosh Khatri, a Muay Thai, and MMA fighter got into it after getting inspired by Ultimate Fight Club (UFC) in 2016. "I was always interested in Martial Arts always dreamt of becoming a professional fighter. Watching UFC and some fighters like George St. Pierre, Mike Tyson, and May Weather inspired me more to join MMA," says Khatri.
Khatri was selected as one of the national Muay Thai fighters of the year in 2020. He is a two-time national professional Muay Thai belt champion, bronze medalist in Ganeshman Boxing Championship, and the winner of Bajra Fight.
"Being an MMA fighter is not enough in our country. There are so many fighters who are facing big financial problems despite their achievements", he says. Khatri had to do many jobs to survive in the MMA world of Nepal. He owned an import-export company before he started training other fighters to train himself. "Though MMA gives me so much happiness, it is never enough to fully satisfy anyone. The government does announce budgets for Martial Arts but nobody knows where it goes. Some fighters get jobs through government but not everyone", he says. "This is the saddest part of being a fighter in our country," he adds.
Though MMA is very popular around the world, it is not well known in Nepal. People nowadays are slowly showing interest in MMA but it will take time to in other countries. "The situation of Martial Arts in Nepal is getting better day by day. It is a good thing for fighters but all the facilities they get are not enough. More professional fights should be organized and if the coaching system can be upgraded then fighters can do more from their ability”, he says. “Fighters don't get paid much. Some gyms where they fight give them allows but it is not enough to go further in a better way," he adds.
With his all hard work and dedication, Khatri is now well known MMA and Muay Thai Fighter of Nepal. He plans to continue training and inspire young fighters. By his experience, Khatri says, "Just start slow. Give your 100%. Train hard, learn new techniques from YouTube, Google. Expect less so you won't get disappointed. But there is a future and more chances than what other veteran fighters had. Discipline and hard work are what help you grow up."
With his all hard work and dedication, Khatri is now well known MMA and Muay Thai Fighter of Nepal. He plans to continue training and inspire young fighters. By his experience, Khatri says, "Just start slow. Give your 100%. Train hard, learn new techniques from YouTube, Google. Expect less so you won't get disappointed. But there is a future and more chances than what other veteran fighters had. Discipline and hard work are what help you grow up."
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