New Delhi, July 2, 2016: The world’s third most followed mixed martial arts event, Super Fight League – promoted by British business magnate and sports enthusiast Mr. Bill Dosanjh & British professional boxing sensation and two-time world champion Amir Khan, have announced the world’s first ever MMA league to be hosted in India from August 26- October 1st 2016. The franchisee based league that will feature eight teams has been sanctioned by the All India Mixed Martial Arts Association (AIMMAA).
The Super Fight League’s inaugural edition will also feature a women’s category, which will play a critical role in deciding the results for each of the team in tournament. 96 fighters constituting of both men and women from India and abroad will fight in the Super Fight League this year. The franchisee-based inaugural edition of the Super Fight League will see these fighters representing teams from Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Mumbai, Haryana, Bangalore, Punjab, Pune and Goa. Each team will constitute of nine Indian fighters and three international fighters that will be a mix of men and women. A total of 72 bouts will be played in the league stage that will be followed by two semi finals, a third 4th place and a gala final bout.
“India has a diverse culture and with its population as the biggest strength, we at Super Fight League are excited to announce the world’s first ever MMA league here. India will host the inaugural edition and we aim to change the way combat sports is viewed and played in the future not only within the country but also internationally. Our aim is to take MMA to a whole new level and eventually inspire many talented youngsters to take up MMA as a career and enable a better living for the current set of fighters from India. What also makes for a mention is the inclusion of women in the team where for the first time ever women fighters will play an equal role towards the overall team performance in the league,” said Bill Dosanjh, CEO & Principal Founder, Super Fight League.
“The current scenario of MMA in India has ushered a new era in Bollywood. Inspiring feature movies have involved some MMA fighters either as role players or to train the who’s who of Bollywood,” added Bill.
The Super Fight League has a total sum of INR 4 Crores up for grabs as prize money. The individual prizes in the tournament will include Best Fighter of the Tournament, Best Knockout of the Tournament and Best Submission of the Tournament.
Super Fight League’s tagline “Panga Le Liya” stands true to the nature of challenge undertaken by fighters when they are locked inside a cage. They are left with one option- take on the odd and triumph. Moreover, the organizers believe that if a tagline is imitated, parodied enough it leaves significant impact on our minds and people can easily relate to the sport.
Also commenting on this announcement, Amir Khan, World Champion professional boxer and Chairman, Super Fight League said, “It’s indeed an honour to present the world’s first ever MMA league from a country like India known for their rich history in combat sports. MMA is not just a sport but is soon catching up as a lifestyle globally for fitness enthusiasts and with this league we want show MMA as a viable career option to youngsters and athletes from all other forms of sports.”
MMA is a fast and exciting sport and you need high levels of fitness to sustain yourself in the sport. Hence, SFL came up with specialized training centers and gyms for youngsters to get the right training,” added Amir Khan.
Super Fight League has been introduced in India to champion the scenario of Mixed Martial Arts in the country and to tap talent from grassroots level. To expand its reach, SFL has also inked tie-ups with Playboy Entertainment and Sony PlayStation. Super Fight League was launched in 2012 and ever since the MMA promotion from India has staged 49 fights across India, UAE, USA and Canada, the 50th edition will be held on July 23, 2016 in Tacoma, Washington.