Indian Panelist Reveals Timeline for UFC's Octagon Debut in India

If you’ve made a name for yourself in India, you’ve cracked open the doors to one of the world’s largest markets. We’ve witnessed this phenomenon with cricket, where the viewership numbers are simply staggering. Even Joe Rogan couldn’t believe it. Now, with the growing popularity of the UFC in India, the big question is when the organization will plant its flag in the country, much like WWE did. In a recent interview with InsideSport, Arjun Chipalkatti, a prominent UFC Indian panelist, spilled the beans on this exciting development as WWE has just touchdown in the country with superstars like John Cena and more.

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The surge in sports popularity tends to skyrocket in a country whenever a local athlete makes their UFC debut. We’ve witnessed this phenomenon with Anshul Jubli, who not only made a name for himself but also secured a contract with the biggest MMA promotion in the world. Since then, we’ve witnessed a significant uptick in the sport’s popularity.

Now, the burning question on everyone’s mind is when we can anticipate UFC to officially land in India. During a recent conversation with Raj from InsideSport, Arjun Chipalkatti provided some insights and finally spilled the beans when prodded about this topic.

He stated, “I think it’s (UFC in India) on the horizon as of now. And I remember my partner in crime, Somesh Kamra who does show with me for the UFC. He is in touch with UFC and Dana White I and he talks quite often and he was telling me that most likely they’re gonna wait and see how WWE fans reacts here.”

He added, “WWE is a far more older sport, and we all grew as WWE fans. Who hasn’t seen WWE? I grew up in the attitude era and I think they’re gonna wait and see how the reaction is but I see it happening in two years for sure. It’s not a market they can ignore and specially with the one Indian fighter on the roster with possibly more to come in the near future thanks to the Road to UFC.”

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According to insights shared by the Indian Panelist, the UFC is closely monitoring the fan response to WWE in India. Based on this, they will determine their strategy for future endeavors in the country. When it comes to the big question of when we can expect the UFC to host its show in India, the panelist believes it won’t be a lengthy wait – estimating a timeframe of no more than 2 years before the company makes its mark in India.

TUNE-IN DETAILS- UFC 293

Watch the LIVE coverage of UFC 293: Israel Adesenya vs. Sean Strickland on 10th September 2023 on Sports Ten 1, Sony Sports Ten 3 (Hindi) & Sony Sports Ten 4 (Tamil & Telugu) channels at 7.30 am IST.

Catch our experts Somesh Kamra & Arjun Chipalkatti on the Ultimate Guide to UFC 293 which kicks off with the live Pre-Show at 6.30 am IST & live post-show at 11.30 am IST on Sports Ten 1, Sony Sports Ten 3 & Sony Sports Ten 4 channels.

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