Goa’s Fight Night 2.0 is set to happen with thrilling MMA performances, organized by four times National Champion Abdul Rahim Shaikh

Abdul is the first Goan player who has won in all 3 different weight categories: 61.2  kg (bantam), 70 kg (lightweight) and 65.9  kg (featherweight) and is the only Goan who currently holds the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu belt. The fight night will be on the 1st of April, 2022 at We For Fatorda Ground, Fatorda commencing from 6 pm. 

In this interview, Abdul shared with us his rigorous years of training and his exciting journey toward becoming a pro-MMA fighter. Abdul has remained instrumental in bringing MMA to Goa and has himself instituted the Mixed Martial Arts association in Goa which is presently under the presidentship of Mr Vijay Sardesai. Rahim’s ultimate fight factory which is located in Davorlim, trains and encourages young aspiring fighters.

In Goa’s Fight Night 2.0 Abdul Rahim will be fighting in the Bantamweight category, we at Goan insider were thrilled with Abdul’s vigour and here’s more. 

How did you transition from being a Mechanical Engineer to finding your passion in MMA?

I studied Mechanical Engineering for two years but I didn’t complete it. I used to study in Mangalore and we had no MMA gyms back there. So I thought I was wasting my time, to be honest, because I was good at what I do, that is MMA. So I left everything. I did not complete my mechanical engineering. I came down to Goa. I started fighting. I won a couple of national championships and then I started my gym and there I am, that’s it.

Since how long have you been fighting in pro-MMA? 

I have been fighting in Pro-MMA for 6 years.

Who are some of the fighters that you watch and admire?

Two fighters who I admire are Jorge Masvidal a Cuban American fighter and Khabib Nurmagomedov who is a Russian fighter( also whom I trained under).

Your musculature is fantastic. What would you say is the key to longevity in such a tough sport?

Consistency is the key. Come every day, show up every day. Work hard. Don’t compete with others. Compete with your own self. Be better than yesterday. People ask me,” How do I work on my cardio?”. It is all about keeping yourself consistent in life, and in practice. 

Could you give us an example of an MMA fighter’s routine, including diet? Do you have to be of a certain fitness level to consider training?

A month before a fight, I follow a strict diet, low in carbs and high in fat and protein. I also use a thermal suit, do a lot of cardio, and do intense HIIT work.

You have won 15+ national titles and you are the only Goan who currently possesses the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu belt, can you talk us through some of your winning streaks?

I have won many titles in many different sports. I have participated in five national championships of which I have won four national championships. I was selected for the World Championship, which was held in Bahrain, called the IMMAF (International Mixed Martial Arts Federation) World Championships. IMMAF is like the Olympics of our sport. I participated in it two times and finished 24th in the world. I am also a multiple-time champion in my state in Khurash, Judo, and Wushu Sanda. And, I am also a grappling national champion of body power which is Asia’s biggest event.

You will be organising the second edition of Goa’s Fight Night 2.0 in Margoa on 1st April, 2022. Our readers want to know more about the event, how many people are participating?

24 of the best MMA sportspersons from across states will battle it out for the top spot here in Goa. Athletes from Goa, Rajasthan, Orissa and Kolkata will be competing at the event slated to be held on 1st April 2022 at Fatorda. Seven Goan athletes will be participating in the competitive full combat contact sport. I will square off against Ateet Kelvin Gupta from Kolkata who has participated in the Superfight League which was telecasted live on MTV and Star Sports. Goa’s Fight Night 2.0 will be held at the We for Fatorda ground on 1st April 2022 post 6 pm.

In what category are you fighting?

I fight in 61.5 kg which is the bantamweight category. I fight in this category because my body fits in this category well, I am fast and quick and dominant in this weight class.

You instituted the Mixed Martial Arts Association in Goa, what are your further plans with the association?

I would like to propagate the association so that upcoming fighters can avail and benefit from the presence of the MMA association in the state.

Are we expecting more fight nights in Goa?

Yes, I wish to make this a calendar event.

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