ONE Championship Clarifies False Reports of Indian MMA Star Ritu Phogat’s Exit

‘The Indian Tigress’ Ritu Phogat is currently going through a rough patch in her ONE Championship career. In her last two bouts, Phogat gave in to the 33-year-old Singaporean Boxing Champion, Tifanny Teo, and the coveted Stamp Fairtex via submissions. The ‘7-3 record-holding Indian’ started off her ONE journey, showcasing a lot of promise. She also went on an impressive 4-fight win streak from her debut, which was broken by the Vietnamese-American, Bi Nguyen, that too, through a controversial split decision.

Phogat’s current rough patch apparently also had a few rumors being spread about her. Recently, a few Indian media houses reported that Phogat had parted ways with ONE Championship to join an Indian MMA promotion based in the city of Mumbai. However, ONE Championship authorities debunked all such reports with a recent revelation of their own.

ONE Championship authorities revealed Ritu Phogat was still under their contract

Phogat, primarily a wrestler, started off her MMA career back in 2019. ONE Championship is the only promotion under which Phogat has fought to date. ‘The Indian Tigress’ made her ONE debut at the event ONE Championship – Age of Dragons on 16 November 2019. She also got the better of her opponent, Nam Hee Kim, TKO-ing inside the first round of her debut bout.

But her rough patch also brought in some myths being circulated about her. Of late, rumors were spread about Phogat joining the ‘Kumite 1 League’, which is an Indian MMA promotion set up in the year 2017.

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However, a recent revelation from the ONE Championship officials stated otherwise. They revealed that Phogat was still under an exclusive contract with ONE Championship. It also meant that it would be unlawful for Phogat to sign into any other MMA promotion currently.

A lot of MMA fans are desperate to see Phogat get back to her winning form inside the circle may have taken a breath of relief right now. However, Phogat herself hasn’t given out any comments in this regard yet.

Ritu Phogat had inched pretty close to a ONE Atomweight title shot but missed it

Phogat was also a contestant in the ONE Atomweight Grand Prix. She showcased her domination in the initial stages of the tournament to advance to the finals of the Grand Prix. Phogat faced the coveted Thai warrior, Stamp Fairtex, in the finals. She also stood a chance to earn a title shot against ONE Atomweight World Champion, Angela ‘Unstoppable’ Lee.

But sadly, Fairtex got the better of ‘the 28-year-old Indian’, submitting her with an armbar in the second round of the bout. Phogat’s performance even deteriorated further in her next and current last bout against Tiffany Teo at ONE 161. Phogat, known for her strong ground game, got submitted by the Singaporean in the very first round of the bout via a rear naked choke.

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However, a lot of fans might be pleased with ONE Championship authorities, clearing the air about ‘The Indian Tigress’s’ contract. Her fans will definitely hope that she comes back like an actual tigress in the circle.

How desperate are you to see Phogat get back to her winning form?