The First Indian-born UFC Fighter Bharat Kandare is busy improving his skills

LockerRoom Team

29 Jul 2020

The First-Indian born UFC fighter Bharat Kandare is busy improving his skills as his USADA suspension is all set to end in November 2020. Bharat, who appeared on the MMA Fight Pass Interview last day, revealed that he has been increasing his skills while waiting for his UFC return.

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Bharat Kandare: I’m increasing my skills; I’m doing boxing, wrestling, my kicking and everything. I’m increasing my level and working by looking forward.

The Indian MMA star has been working on his boxing along with fellow Indian athlete Paalee Satishwer while working on his wrestling in his hometown as well.

Bharat became the first Indian-born UFC fighter back on November 25, 2017, when he fought Yadong Song at UFC Fight Night 122: Bisping vs. Gastelum. He was, however, suspended by USADA later after testing positive for a banned substance. Bharat later revealed that the positive-test stemmed from the prescriptions that one of the Indian doctors, who was not aware of the USADA banned list, gave him.

He went on to note that he still has a long way to go and that he wants to fulfil the dream which made him start MMA.

Bharat Kandare: I started my MMA career with the aim to reach the UFC. I didn’t start it thinking I will have two or three fights and do business. I want to be a UFC champion; I want to be a world champion.

Bharat also gave a huge shout out for fellow Indian MMA fighter Manjit Kolekar during the interview. For the uninitiated, Manjit is one of the most sort out MMA fighters in India and is the first Indian fighter to compete in Invicta FC. Bharat believes that Manjit could’ve gotten the win in her Invicta debut if she had the right financial support and training facilities.

Bharat Kandare: She didn’t have sponsors and financial sponsors at that time. If that time Manjit had good money and she got good training, then she would’ve gone on to win the fight at Invicta FC in her debut.

After the suspension, Bharat is expected to travel to Jackson Wink MMA Academy to train along with Paalee Satishwer.

Image Courtesy: UFC