“Now Is Her Time”- Arjan Bhullar Has a Message for Ritu Phogat Ahead of Her Atomweight Grand Prix Final Against Stamp Fairtex

Ritu Phogat will face Stamp Fairtex in the women’s atomweight Grand Prix final at ONE: WINTER WARRIORS on Friday, December 03, 2021. Many from the MMA community are favoring the Indian fighter to win, despite her opponent being a former two-sport champion. 

There is one MMA athlete in particular who is a strong supporter of Phogat. It’s none other than her native fighter and the current ONE heavyweight champion, Arjan Bhullar.

Bhullar, who became the first Indian MMA world champion by defeating Brandon Vera, wants nothing but to see her native fighter achieve greatness. Akin to himself, the 35-year-old wants Phogat to become the first Indian woman to become an MMA world champion.

In a recent exclusive interview with ONE Championship, Bhullar had a message for ‘The Indian Tigress.’ Bhullar said – “Just good luck, shabash! (Kudos!) Keep going, stay focused, and I’m cheering her on. All of India is cheering her on. The entire wrestling community is cheering her on. Let’s do it!” 

“Always remember your roots. She has been training since she was a little girl with her siblings under her father. Lean on that. Lean on all those challenges that she had to overcome, all those experiences. [It was a] long road to get here.” – The ONE heavyweight champion continued.

“She has earned her way here. She’s ready. Now is her time, and just go and do it. Remember who you are. It’s your time, and see you on the other side.” – the 35-year-old concluded.

Arjan Bhullar favors ‘The Indian Tigress’ to win the atomweight Grand Prix final

The winner of the Grand Prix final will secure a title shot against the current ONE women’s atomweight champion, Angela Lee. Thus, Phogat’s clash against Stamp will be one of the toughest and most important fights of her MMA career. 

The possibility of a title challenger arising between these two of the division’s most dominant fighters only adds to the intrigue of this fight. As a result, MMA experts like Bhullar around the world are looking forward to witnessing this exciting bout.

Furthermore, the 35-year-old shared his pick for Phogat vs. Stamp.

In the same interview, the ONE heavyweight champion said – “I got to go with Ritu. She’s the queen of Indian MMA, and it’s about time we got a king and queen there to spread this sport and blow it up.”

“I think she’s going to win, and then I hope in her next fight, we’re on the same card together.” – Bhullar concluded.

Read More: Ritu Phogat Eager to Elevate Family Name and “The Entire Country” With Grand Prix Win

Bhullar breaks down Ritu Phogat vs. Stamp Fairtex

Naturally, Phogat, who is an elite wrestler, will aim to take the fight on the mat. Meanwhile, Stamp, who holds great striking prowess, will aim to keep it on the feet. Bhullar thinks the same will happen when the two face each other at ONE: WINTER WARRIORS.

In the same interview, the 35-year-old said – “It’s a great match-up. Ritu versus Stamp – two great personalities with a big [fan] following. Two different skill sets – one’s a striker, one’s a grappler.”

“You know all fights start standing, that’s what’s in Stamp’s favor. So, the longer Ritu can keep Stamp on her back and impose herself on that aspect in order to get in and stay safe, the more success she will have.” – Bhullar continued.

“As for Stamp, she’s got to sprawl and brawl and stay off her back. She knows Ritu will be closing the distance. She’s got to be able to strike, going backwards and keep her at range, and just keep picking her off.” – the ONE heavyweight champion concluded.

Regardless of what everyone has to say, it will all come down to who can best execute their strategy. However, one sure thing that can be said is it will be one of the most exciting bouts in the ONE women’s atomweight history. Thus, fans can expect fireworks when Phogat and Stamp face each other in the GP final.

Read More: “I Do Not Believe That a Single Training Camp Would Bring Stamp to My Level” – Ritu Phogat Believes Stamp Fairtex Is Not on Her Level

What do you make of the message Arjan Bhullar had for Ritu Phogat? Do you think ‘The Indian Tigress’ can upset Stamp? Do share with us your thoughts in the comments section down below.