The rivalry between India and Pakistan extends far beyond the cricket field, with passionate fans supporting their respective countries in various sports, from javelin to hockey. Now, as Anshul Jubli prepares to fight at UFC 294, following his debut and securing a UFC contract, this weekend’s event featuring Islam Makhachev vs. Alexander Volkanovski has garnered significant attention.
However, at a recent press conference leading up to the event, when an Indian UFC commentator Shashwat Maheshwari from Sony Sports inquired about Jubli, fans in attendance reacted by booing and even chanting “Hail Pakistan,” highlighting the intensity of this rivalry. Let’s delve into the details.
Pakistani Fans’ Boos Reverberate at UFC 294 Press Conference, Centered on India’s Anshul Jubli
MMA stands out as one of the most unfiltered and raw sports, where there is minimal censorship, both among the fighters and in interactions with the fans. This nature of the sport is even evident at the press conference, where many fans and media representatives took shots at the fighters, sometimes even crossing the line.
An example of this occurred when Shashwat posed a question regarding Dana White’s thoughts on the emergence of Indian fighters and his plans for expanding the UFC’s presence in India, similar to what WWE has achieved. Check out how fans booed at Jubli and India.
After Shashwat asked his question to White, fans in the audience began to boo and even chanted “Pakistan Zindabad” slogans. This unexpected reaction left the UFC President confused, as he couldn’t understand why the fans were expressing disapproval towards India. Despite this disruption, White mentioned his intentions to bring the UFC to India in the future, even though there are currently no concrete plans in place for such an expansion.
The intense India-Pakistan rivalry extends beyond sports, and fans often go to great lengths to support their respective sides, sometimes crossing the line. Meanwhile, Jubli, will be highly motivated to prove the skeptical fans wrong and silence the boos with an outstanding performance in the octagon.
Stories On UFC 294 You Must Read:
- UFC 294: Will Two Titles Be On the Line for Islam Makhachev vs Alexander Volkanovski 2?
- UFC 294- Islam Makhachev vs Alexander Volkanovski- Preview, Prediction, Betting Odds and More
Jubli vs Breeden Records
Jubli is coming into the fight with a perfect 7-0 pro record, and he’s never lost a fight, not even in his amateur career. Meanwhile, his opponent, Mike Breeden, has lost his last three UFC fights and holds a 10-6 MMA record.
With Jubli’s undefeated record and Breeden’s recent struggles, the odds are heavily in Jubli’s favor, making him the favorite to win. If he does secure the victory, Jubli will etch his name in history as the first Indian fighter to achieve this remarkable feat.
Where To Watch Jubli Fight?
Sports Ten 1, Sony Sports Ten 3 (in Hindi), and Sony Sports Ten 4 (in Tamil & Telugu) channels. The pre-show starts at 7:30 PM IST. Fans can also watch the fight on SonyLiv and UFC Fight Pass.
