Indian fighter Ritu Phogat returns to the atomweight division in mixed martial arts (MMA) at the “ONE 171: Qatar” event by ONE Championship, which will take place at the Lusail Sports Arena on Thursday, February 20.
Phogat, who is competing for the first time after a two-and-a-half-year absence, will face Japan’s Ayaka Miura, ranked third in the atomweight division.
The 30-year-old Phogat had secured 7 wins in ONE before suffering two consecutive losses and deciding to step away from competition in 2022.
During her hiatus, she gave birth to a child while maintaining her training, considering martial arts a priority in her life.
Phogat draws her strength from two main goals: inspiring mothers and women in India, and winning the ONE Championship gold belt.
Phogat said, “My goal is to become India’s first world champion in mixed martial arts. I want to show that India has the best fighters.”
Phogat also seeks to break stereotypes about the role of mothers in Indian society, stating, “I want to prove that a mother is capable of achieving anything she desires, even with the responsibilities of childcare.”
The event will be broadcast live from Qatar at 5:00 PM Mecca time. Phogat faces a significant challenge against Miura as she strives to achieve her dream and inspire others.
