Priya Sharma details her Road to UFC fight, Behind the scenes stories and more

LockerRoom Team

11 Jul 2024

Priya Sharma’s debut at the Road to UFC was an emotional rollercoaster, filled with moments of doubt, determination, and reflection. The Indian MMA fighter, fresh from her bout, shared her experiences, revealing the intense journey leading up to and during the fight.

"It was like a dream come true," Priya stated, highlighting the significance of competing on the biggest stage in the world. She described the mix of emotions she felt when she received the call to fight. "I was at home with my mom, and I got a call saying, ‘You are fighting in this Road to UFC.’ I was very excited."

Training at the UFC Performance Institute (UFCPI) brought its own set of challenges. Priya admitted to feeling nervous upon her arrival. "Honestly, I was so nervous, like really. But Ashwin Hoon and Mohit Chawla helped me a lot, mentally and emotionally," she shared. This support proved crucial as she prepared for the biggest fight of her career.

During the fight, Priya faced unexpected hurdles. "In the first two minutes, I gave too much respect to her," she said, acknowledging the difficulty in adjusting to her opponent's reach and wrestling game plan. Despite taking a hard knee to the solar plexus, Priya persevered. "Inside me was like, ‘I can't give up. I have to just go forward.’ So I just survived."

Reflecting on the fight, Priya experienced a flood of memories. "You won't believe it, but I got a flashback of my whole journey. I never thought I would reach here, being an Indian fighter and a female fighter." This moment of reflection was a powerful reminder of her resilience and determination.

After the fight, Priya and her team focused on the positives. "They were very protective and supportive. Ashwin hon and my friend Diel Diva told me, ‘It's okay. Don't think too much negative. Just focus on the next one.’" This encouragement helped Priya maintain a positive outlook and reinforced her commitment to improving and coming back stronger.

Priya Sharma’s debut at the Road to UFC was more than just a fight; it was a historic moment as she was the first Indian female fighter to fight at the platform. Despite the challenges and the outcome, Priya’s unwavering determination and the support from her team and coaches highlighted the emotional journey of an Indian female fighter making her mark on the global stage.