New Delhi, March 10 (NationPress) Former wrestler and current MMA fighter Sangram Singh is ramping up his preparations for an exciting mixed martial arts (MMA) clash against France’s Matteo Monteiro. He is backed by a dedicated seven-member team that meticulously oversees all facets of his training, including coaching, flexibility workouts, weightlifting, yoga, and pranayama.

The Commonwealth heavyweight wrestling champion and icon of the Fit India Movement has been training in various cities such as Mumbai, Ahmedabad, and Delhi as part of his rigorous regimen. While his sparring partners vary by location, his core team of coaches remains unchanged, providing him with consistent guidance.

Sangram's forthcoming MMA fight is set for Sunday, April 5, in Tigre, Buenos Aires, Argentina, where he will take on the 24-year-old French fighter, Matteo Monteiro. The age difference of 17 years presents a formidable challenge for Sangram, marking a historic occasion as he becomes the first Indian MMA fighter to compete on Argentine soil.

Supporting Sangram is a team of six coaches and a physiotherapist, each focusing on different training aspects. Bhupesh Kumar specializes in modern wrestling, while Suraj Dharman manages his boxing and kickboxing sessions. Kapil Sharma instructs him in jujutsu techniques, and Suhas Lohar enhances his flexibility through gymnastics. Weight training is overseen by former Army veteran Pradeep Tomar, while Ronnie Vats monitors his overall fitness.

Physiotherapist Dr. Manoj Attri is also integral to the team, addressing muscle strain and recovery concerns.

Detailing his training approach, Sangram mentioned that he is focusing on wrestling, boxing, kickboxing, and jujutsu — essential components of MMA. Under the guidance of Punjab Royals coach Bhupesh, he is refining his modern wrestling skills.

Since Bhupesh has been with him for a significant time, he has a deep understanding of Sangram's strengths and weaknesses, working to enhance his less developed areas.

Sangram is also receiving boxing and kickboxing training from Suraj Dharman, who boasts 12 years of coaching experience. He appreciates Suraj's role in helping him perfect both offensive and defensive techniques involving kicks and punches.

Jujutsu coach Kapil Sharma is training him in crucial techniques like choking and locking, which are vital for MMA competitions. Kapil gained his expertise in Brazil and further refined it in Germany.

To boost his flexibility, Sangram trains with gymnastics coach Suhas Lohar two to three times a week at the Andheri Sports Complex in Mumbai. On alternate days, he focuses on weight training with Pradeep Tomar, while Ronnie Vats ensures his fitness levels are maintained.

His daily fight preparation kicks off at 7 a.m. with warm-up exercises and Surya Namaskar, followed by core workouts that include sit-ups and crunches, concluding with a pranayama session.

After his morning routine, he engages in an hour of boxing and kickboxing practice under Suraj Dharman. On certain days, he also works on gymnastics with Suhas Lohar, mastering forward and backward flips. Additionally, he participates in weight training with Pradeep Tomar and continues wrestling training with Bhupesh, while overall fitness is managed by Ronnie Vats.

Sangram, who previously competed in Greco-Roman wrestling and trained extensively at the national camp, has transitioned into MMA following his professional wrestling career, acting roles, and engagements as a youth icon and motivational speaker.

This will be Sangram's third MMA fight. In his debut battle in Tbilisi, Georgia, he secured a victory against Pakistan’s Ali Raza Nasir, who was 15 years younger, in just 90 seconds. In his second match in Amsterdam, he triumphed over Tunisia’s Hakim Tarabelsi, a seven-time Tunisian champion and medalist at the European Championships, who was 12 years younger than him.

This time, he faces France’s Matteo Monteiro, who is also 17 years younger.

Sangram expressed that after being honored as a Fit India icon by the government, he feels a heightened sense of responsibility toward society. He aims to raise awareness about the significance of yoga, pranayama, and wholesome home-cooked meals.