The Maratha Warrior – also sometimes known as ‘The Basher’ – sounds like someone you definitely don’t want to mess with.
But Indian professional MMA (Mixed Martial Arts) fighter Bhupesh Kamble has a playful side to him too and admits to enjoying long walks on the beach and origami when he’s not training three hours a day, and training others the rest of the time at Fitness First.
Well, he was just kidding when he said that, but our chat was so pensive and poignant the majority of the time that I did believe him…just a little.
So, Bhupesh, didn’t you start out as a boxer? What prompted the change to MMA?
I was a boxer for about eight years and was naturally talented at it. I was state and national boxing champion for seven consecutive years. After boxing, I began to learn new disciplines to make myself a more well-rounded fighter, which made me realise the sport of MMA. My professional MMA record is three wins and four losses.
And I read in your bio that you were personally invited by Ed Herman to UFC 150 in Colorado. Were you able to get involved?
UFC 150 served as a learning experience and networking event for me. I was able to make some great contacts within the international fighting scene, which will serve as a resource for me in preparation for The Ultimate Fighter India reality show launching in early 2013.
And are you ready for that? What, if anything, do you think still needs work?
I think I need to improve on everything. I believe in lifelong learning and adaptation to styles and techniques. I want to be a complete fighter and can always learn more.
And if you did get in, what kind of fighting style would you be bringing to the show?
My preferred fighting style is as a striker. I started out boxing so naturally I am more comfortable on my feet. However, my ground game is steadily improving, as this is very important for MMA. My defence and takedown ability is also improving and it is absolutely necessary to be a successful MMA athlete.
What’s been the most difficult part of establishing yourself as a pro-fighter?
The hardest part of being a professional MMA fighter is sustainability of the lifestyle. Sponsors are very important to supplement a professional fighter’s living, training and travel expenses. I am always looking for strategic partnerships that are beneficial for the sponsor and myself.
Do you have any other projects in the pipeline?
Absolutely! I am currently working on adapting a revolutionary fitness system from the USA called Fighter Fitness that incorporates high intensity workouts and gives fast results. Professional fighters use these workouts and Fighter Fitness gives regular people the chance to train like a fighter without the bumps and bruises.
I can be contacted for personal training and group sessions through Fitness First for more information on Fighter Fitness.
Describe to me your typical day.
A typical day would involve three workouts per day starting at 6pm and ending at around 9pm. Throughout the day I have my work as well, which lucky for me, is in a gym as a personal trainer and group exercise trainer – so I am able to work out throughout the day for myself as well as helping other people achieve their fitness goals.
What do you do in your free time to relax or have fun?
I have very little free time between work and training, but when I do have time, I enjoy long walks on the beach, interior decorating and origami – just kidding. I enjoy whatever makes me laugh as fighting is such a serious occupation. I pretty much hang out at the gym, otherwise.
Complete the following sentences:
I’m happiest when I’m… in the ring.
Three things I could never live without are… food (I eat a lot), training (I am a fitness machine) and fun.
If I wasn’t an MMA fighter, I would be happy doing… fitness training, I would start a chain of training schools back in India.
The greatest sportsperson of all time is… Sachin Tendulkar, because he has achieved several records over his long career. He embodies cricket.
My favourite guilty pleasure is… coffee.
The happiest day of my life was when… I got a chance to fight in my first international MMA competition in Singapore in 2006.
By the end of 2012, I hope to have achieved… entry into The Ultimate Fighter India.
The most inspiring person I’ve ever met is… the place where I am from is a very populous city (Mumbai) but also very poor.
Tragedy and struggle is a part of daily life. This can be very depressing, especially for young people. More than an inspiring person, that situation inspired me to do better and rise above the negative environment.
I would like to become a good sportsman for others that were born in similar conditions, to look up to for inspiration. I truly believe that life as a sportsman is a marathon, not a sprint… well, unless you are a sprinter.
* For breaking news, follow us on @Sport_360 or find us on Facebook.
