Vikas Singh Ruhil set to cement India on the global MMA map by debuting as the first South and South-East Asian fighter in PFL
Vikas Singh Ruhil is set to make history as the first Indian and South Asian fighter to compete in surging MMA promotion the Professional Fighters League.
According to a story recently shared by Ruhil's manager, the lightweight fighter was signed by the PFL in November. His manager also shared the turbulent journey that Ruhil has endured on his journey to the 'big leagues'.
Ruhil suffered an injury that halted his fighting career for three years, and during that time he met his manager. The pair struck up a relationship and began searching for fights to get his career back on track.
Vikas Singh Ruhil refused to take any "warm-up fights" or compete in the local Indian and Central Asian MMA scene, despite having no contract. But the lightweight's faith was rewarded when the PFL made contact with Ruhil in November 2022.
A contract was signed, but Ruhil was having visa issues which could have prevented him from competing. But the PFL swooped in to resolve the issue, and the necessary documents were ready within 10 days.
Vikas Singh Ruhil moved to America to prepare for his PFL debut and trained at Marquez MMA in Philadelphia. The lightweight was set to face Igeu Kabesa but was forced to withdraw at the last moment due to travel problems.
Ruhil will now face James Gonzalez in the PFL Challenger Series Week 6, and he will be moving back down to featherweight.
Team Relentless, an Indian combat sports team, reposted a story documenting Vikas Singh Ruhil's journey.
See the post below:
Vikas Singh Ruhil looks back at his MMA debut against Serbian heavyweight
Vikas Singh Ruhil will be competing in the PFL Challenger Series featherweight edition this weekend against James Gonzalez. Ruhil has been undefeated in his last 8 fights, but his career has not always been so successful.
Ruhil made his MMA debut in 2012 against Nikola Janjic, a Serbian heavyweight, at the Super Fight 10 and was defeated in the first round via submission. In a 2022 interview with LockerRoom_India, Ruhil reflected on his MMA debut. He said this:
"My weight is 95 kg and my opponent... his height was 6'7 and I'm 5'7. Complete difference. The fight started, we touched gloves... and he took me down. After a ground-and-pound, he finished me with an RNC within three-and-a-half minutes... But that day, I realized I could pursue this sport in the future. If I train more, I could do better."
[Translated from the video]
Watch the video below: