India's first UFC fighter Anshul Jubli's journey was extremely challenging, says Coach

India's first UFC fighter Anshul Jubli lost his debut match in the Octagon recently (February 9) after a controversial Technical Knockout decision (TKO) in favor of Quinlan Salkilld.

In an exclusive conversation with Deccan Chronicle, Siddharth Singh revealed his future plans, experience behind coaching Anshul Jubli and India's MMAs future.

I have been a lifelong sportsman, with my journey beginning at The Doon School, where I first fell in love with boxing. That passion for combat sports only grew stronger when I moved to the UK, where I immersed myself in Muay Thai and later discovered the world of grappling through Jiu-Jitsu and wrestling. Even while working a stable 9-to-5 job, my mind was always on training—I couldn’t wait to leave the office and step onto the mats at my martial arts dojo.

Alongside my love for competition, I always had an entrepreneurial mindset. This drive led me to return to India and establish Crosstrain Fight Club, the country’s first dedicated MMA gym.

When I decided to quit my stable job in the UK to start Crosstrain Fight Club in India, the pushback from friends and family was intense. MMA and Jiu-Jitsu were almost unknown in the country in 2012, and the idea of leaving a secure career for an uncertain path seemed reckless to many. The journey was anything but easy—the project took a heavy toll on me financially, physically, and emotionally. There were times when the challenges felt overwhelming, but I persisted, driven by my passion and belief that martial arts had the power to change lives.

One of the biggest challenges right now is the lack of government or private support for both athletes and academies. Unlike in the West, where MMA has gained mainstream recognition and corporate backing, India’s private sector has yet to fully embrace the sport. This means that despite having world-class talent, our fighters struggle to get the resources they need to succeed at the highest level.

With the right support, I have no doubt that India can produce UFC champions, but right now, a large part of my time goes into ensuring my fighters have the funds to train, travel, and get proper nutrition—things that should ideally be taken care of through sponsorships and institutional backing. I do this all alone, which makes the entire process extremely difficult. Yet, I keep pushing forward because I believe in the potential of Indian athletes and the future of MMA in this country.

I started training Anshul Jubli seven years ago, and I’ve seen him evolve from a complete beginner to a UFC fighter. He trained under my system and curriculum with absolute diligence, which helped him remain undefeated in the amateur MMA circuit with a 15-0 record. Recognizing his potential, I worked to get him into Matrix Fight Night (MFN), where I meticulously put together game plans that led him to a 5-0 professional record—a performance strong enough to get the UFC’s attention and earn him a spot in Road to UFC.

It’s been an extremely challenging journey, and there were many moments when I felt completely alone in trying to ensure his success—not just in training but also in securing finances, travel, and proper nutrition. The process was exhausting, but seeing him break through and make history has made it all worth it. His journey proves that with the right system, discipline, and guidance, India can produce world-class MMA fighters—we just need the right support to take it to the next level.

"Seeing many athletes rely on untested and unsafe supplements, I wanted to bring a change by offering products I personally trust and use. Every supplement under 191 Nutrition meets the highest standards of quality and safety."

Siddharth, his family, and his students from Crosstrain Fight Club all use 191 Nutrition products, ensuring they get only the best for peak performance and recovery, the company stated.

Siddharth Singh, noticed that several Indian athletes had failed drug tests while competing, often due to untested and unsafe supplements. To address this, 191 Nutrition was created to ensure athletes had access to the best possible nutrition with the guarantee of pure and clean supplementation.

Since the previous Asian Games, Indian grapplers have been using 191 Nutrition to fuel their training and performance. Additionally, athletes competing in two of the most prestigious grappling tournaments—AJP Pro and ADCC India—have trusted 191 Nutrition to support their journey to success.

The highest level of MMA is not just about talent—it’s about mindset, discipline, and relentless work ethic. Over the years, I’ve observed certain traits that separate the best from the rest. Here’s what I look for in fighters who have the potential to reach the top:

Discipline Over Motivation – Motivation fades, but discipline is what gets you to training on days you don’t feel like it. The best fighters treat this sport as a profession, not a hobby.

Mental Toughness – Fighting is as much a mental battle as a physical one. Those who can handle adversity, stay composed under pressure, and push through discomfort are the ones who go far.

Coachability – The ability to listen, learn, and apply corrections is crucial. Fighters who check their ego at the door and trust the process evolve the fastest.

Grit and Resilience – Setbacks are inevitable—losses, injuries, bad training days. Champions don’t break; they adapt, learn, and come back stronger.

Work Ethic – There’s no substitute for hard work. The ones who make it are the ones putting in extra rounds, drilling techniques after class, and treating recovery as seriously as training.

Fight IQ – Raw athleticism can only take you so far. The best fighters understand strategy, timing, and how to adjust their game mid-fight. They don’t just train hard; they train smart.

Unshakeable Will to Win – The great ones don’t just want to fight; they want to win at all costs. There’s a difference between someone who enjoys competing and someone who refuses to lose.

Hunger and Purpose – The fire to succeed has to come from within. Whether it’s proving something to themselves, their family, or their country, the ones who make it have a deep reason that fuels their grind every single day.

As someone deeply involved in the growth of combat sports in India—through Crosstrain Fight Club and as the India Head for AJP and ADCC—I see the next decade as a transformative period for Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) in the country.

With the UFC's global influence expanding, more Indian audiences are becoming aware of the sport, leading to a surge in participation at both amateur and professional levels. Fighters like Anshul Jubli and Pooja Tomar have proven that Indian athletes can compete on the biggest stages, inspiring the next generation to take up the sport seriously. Their success has also caught the attention of international promotions, opening doors for more Indian talent.

Additionally, with more world-class tournaments happening in India, such as AJP, ADCC, and other premier grappling and MMA events, the competitive landscape is improving. These platforms provide Indian athletes with exposure, high-level experience, and pathways to professional careers abroad.

The next decade will be crucial in developing grassroots training programs, increasing sponsorship opportunities, and creating a structured ecosystem that allows Indian fighters to thrive. The rise of top-tier coaching, better facilities, and global partnerships will further elevate India’s presence in the global combat sports scene.

MMA and BJJ in India are no longer niche sports—they are growing into mainstream disciplines with a bright future ahead.

If you want to succeed as a fighter, choosing the right coach and gym is one of the most important decisions you'll make. Look for a coach with a proven track record of building champions—someone who has developed fighters from the ground up, not just trained those who were already great. A strong coach understands not only techniques but also strategy, mindset, and how to push you beyond your limits.

Equally important is the quality of your training partners. Iron sharpens iron. If you're not surrounded by high-level training partners who challenge you every day, your growth will be limited. A great gym provides an environment where you’re constantly tested and improving.

Most importantly, be patient. The journey of a fighter isn’t about overnight success—it's about consistent, daily improvements. Focus on the small details, master the fundamentals, and aim to be just 1% better every day. Over time, those small gains compound into something great. Stay disciplined, trust the process, and keep pushing forward.