Arjan Bhullar: Spearheading One Championship’s Growth Into India
Arjan Singh Bhullar is set to make his long-awaited debut in One Championship at the promotion’s “Century” event on Sunday. Although this was not his originally planned start date, the former Ultimate Fighting Championship heavyweight is looking at the bright side of being on the organization’s largest event.
Bhullar, 33, was originally set to begin his stint in the Asian powerhouse in August. However, the fight was cancelled and rescheduled after his opponent Mauro Cirelli came down with a staph infection. With the bout being pushed back, the Canadian -- who represents India as a fighter -- will find it harder to fit in another fight this year. However, despite that setback, he understands the benefits of being on one of the biggest mixed martial arts cards of the year.
“Obviously it would have been good to get another one in before the end of the year. I want to stay more active,” Bhullar told Sherdog. “In my contract, I am guaranteed more fights than I was in the UFC. That was another big [reason in joining One Championship]. The UFC was giving me two fights a year. I [wasn’t] busy enough from where I’m at to climb that ladder, and make money winning. You lose that time; you’re not maximizing your time in the sport as a competitive athlete. Aside from that, everything worked out the way it’s supposed to. I’m on the biggest card in MMA history. Two [events] in one day. Everything’s lining up beautifully. And you know what, I’ve competed in over 30 countries as an athlete. Japan wasn’t one of them.”
Before he enters the cage in Tokyo’s Ryogoku Kokugikan, Bhullar also spoke on his decision to pass on the UFC’s recent contract offer and join One Championship and how his new employer’s goals to expand into the Indian market played a role, as well as if other promotions showed interest in the 9-1 fighter. He also talked about his avid love of professional wrestling and his interest in working with All Elite Wrestling.
