On July 26, 2025, the debut edition of Ronin FC Bengaluru took place at Basecamp by Push Sports on the Bengaluru City University campus. RFC, a Bengaluru-headquartered MMA promotion founded by Gaganpal Singh Dua, Arun Kumar Krishnan, and Chowdappa KV, launched with an 8-fight professional card that instantly raised the bar for MMA in India.
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Ronin FC: A New Chapter in Indian MMA
As an indigenous promotion, Ronin FC, based in Bengaluru, aims to spotlight Indian talent and expand the grassroots MMA scene, paralleling emerging leagues across the country.
Event Summary & Format
RFC1 featured 8 professional MMA bouts, broadcast live via YouTube. The action unfolded inside a cage, echoing global MMA standards, and drew attention for its organization and fight quality.
Standout Fights & Highlights
1. Main Event – 135 lb Bout
Mairidin Newmai edged out Prakhar Shubhasung via split decision after three five-minute rounds, boosting his pro record to 4‑1 while Shubhasung fell to 2‑2.
2. Co-Main – 125 lb Bout
Bishal Sahu secured a unanimous decision over Shoaib Khan, improving to 7‑2 and adding legitimacy to his rising star status.
3. Signature Finish – 145 lb Bout
In a highlight moment, R. Shekhawat submitted Rishabh Patel with a triangle choke at 3:45 in the first round—marking a first-round finish in RFC’s inaugural event.
Other notable finishes:
N. Lalthazuala delivered a first-round KO/TKO (1:06) in the 145 lb division.
Singh Niranjan stopped Karan Chauhan in round one (0:16).
Reddy Havish defeated Thengal Ranjan by KO/TKO in the second round (1:55).
Venue & Broadcast
Held at Basecamp by Push Sports within Bengaluru City University, the event utilized a professional cage setup.
Broadcasted live on YouTube, allowing broader reach and fan engagement.
Impact and Significance
This event stands as a milestone for Indian MMA, bringing organized professional standards to Bengaluru and offering a platform for athlete development. As local promotions grow, Ronin FC’s debut signals stronger regional infrastructure for the sport.
Audience and Media Reception
Although direct media coverage was limited, social media and Reddit chatter echoed the excitement surrounding the event’s smooth execution and the tactical performances of fighters. The response points to growing enthusiasm for truly homegrown MMA promotions.
Challenges & Growth Opportunities
1. Challenges:
MMA awareness and infrastructure in India remain soft: critics often cite a lack of grappling expertise and systemic support for fighters.
Indian athletes are perceived to lack cross-disciplinary technical depth in Sambo, Judo, BJJ, and advanced striking.
2. Opportunities:
Promotions like RFC can help professionalize training and raise standards.
With growing grassroots interest and digital viewership, Indian MMA is on an upward trajectory, despite comparisons with global giants like UFC and ONE Championship.
What’s Next for Ronin FC?
While no official future dates have been announced, the success of RFC1 sets the stage for more events. Continued focus on fighter development, promotion, and regional outreach could solidify RFC’s position in India’s MMA landscape.
Why Ronin FC Matters
Homegrown promotion: Unlike international leagues, RFC builds its identity around Indian fighters and audiences.
Talent exposure: Providing professional fight experience to local athletes boosts their growth.
Setting standards: From cage structure to live streaming, RFC demonstrates how Indian events can meet global norms.
Inspiring participation: A well-executed debut can inspire gyms, fighters, and fans across Bengaluru and beyond.
Conclusion
Ronin FC’s maiden event in Bengaluru marked a pivotal moment for Indian MMA, combining professional execution, local talent showcase, and crowd engagement. With promising finishes, competitive bouts, and a live YouTube stream, RFC1 laid the foundation for sustainable growth in India’s MMA ecosystem. If Indian promotions continue this upward trajectory, the country may soon crown its next generation of global-caliber fighters.
FAQs Ronin FC Bengaluru
Q1: What is Ronin FC?
A: Ronin Fighting Championship (RFC) is a Bengaluru-based MMA promotion founded by Gaganpal Singh Dua, Arun Kumar Krishnan, and Chowdappa KV, focusing on professional MMA events in India.
Q2: When and where was the first event held?
A: RFC1 took place on July 26, 2025, at Basecamp by Push Sports, Bengaluru City University, Bengaluru.
Q3: What was the fight card like?
A: The inaugural card featured 8 professional MMA bouts, including the main event (Newmai vs. Shubhasung) and key finishes by R. Shekhawat, N. Lalthazuala, Singh Niranjan, and Reddy Havish.
Q4: Who streamed the event?
A: The event was broadcast live on YouTube, including preliminary and main card fights.
Q5: Why is Ronin FC significant for Indian MMA?
A: As one of India’s early professionally run MMA promotions, RFC sets a standard in organization, fighter representation, and live broadcasting, contributing to the growth of domestic MMA culture.
Q6: What technical gaps does Indian MMA face?
A: Observers have noted weaknesses in grappling and takedown systems, such as inadequate training in Sambo and Judo—challenges for Indian fighters to bridge to international standards.
Q7: How can fighters join Ronin FC events?
A: Fighters typically qualify via track record in regional MMA circuits or outreach by RFC. Aspiring athletes should monitor RFC’s announcements through social or regional fight promotion channels.
Q8: Are more Ronin FC events planned?
A: While no official schedule has been released yet, the smooth rollout of RFC1 suggests further editions are likely in the coming months.
