One Championship: India’s Ritu Phogat calls for atomweight grand prix spot after second-round TKO
- The 26-year-old former national champion wrestler goes 3-0 in MMA at Inside the Matrix
- ‘Indian Tigress’ says she ‘struggled for this win’ after training away from home during the pandemic
Indian wrestling sensation Ritu Phogat continued her unbeaten start in MMA after a dominant second-round TKO of Nou Srey Pov at ONE: Inside the Matrix in Singapore on Friday.
The 26-year-old multiple national wrestling champion went 3-0 after an unconventional boxing-heavy performance at the expense of her Cambodian opponent at the Singapore Indoor Stadium.
“This pandemic has been difficult because I’ve been away from home and family. I’ve really struggled for this win and given it my best. I’ve gone beyond just wrestling and for this match I’ve gone to power-striking,” Phogat said at a post-fight virtual press conference.
“I followed the plan meticulously prescribed by the coach. The performance was good because I went with the coach’s word, and my strategy was to be heavily dependent on striking and then takedown on Nou. My coach complimented me because I used the techniques he taught. He told me he would reward me with US$100 if I won, so I’m happy.”
After three wins on the trot, Phogat feels she deserves a spot in a women’s atomweight grand prix set for 2021, but is also open to any opponent the promotion throws in front of her.