Yes, it is true, India has arrived! 28-year-old lightweight Anshul Jubli has made history by becoming only the second Indian to fight in the UFC. Taking on Jeka Saragih, Jubli has done the unthinkable and secured his future with the UFC after a dominant showing at UFC Vegas 68.
Notably, UFC Vegas 68 was headlined by Derrick Lewis and Sergey Spivac. However, the preliminary card featured a Road to UFC tournament, where four fighters had the chance to earn a UFC contract. Among them, was India’s own, Jubli, who put in a dominant showing against Jeka Saragih.
Following his second-round TKO finish over Saragih, Jubli had a lot to say in his post-fight interview. “Namaste UFC, we have arrived, India is here!” Jubli said after the fight. “We are not stopping here, we are going all the way to the top. Just see what we have done, first-ever Road to UFC lightweight winner from the Himalayas of Uttarakhand!” Further, Anshul promised to make his nation proud with his future performances as well.
With his victory, the “King of Lions” has become only the second Indian to fight in the UFC after Bharat Khandare. Additionally, Jubli is now an unranked fighter in the UFC’s lightweight roster and will get the chance to fight some great fighters around the world. Hailing from India’s capital, the New Delhi boy has overcome great odds to earn his place in the world’s biggest MMA organization.
Throughout the fight, Jubli showcased a great level of grappling and striking, dominating both rounds. Despite Saragih’s efforts to distract him, the Indian stuck to his game plan and displayed the mindset of a seasoned pro. As such, Michael Bisping was thoroughly impressed with Jubli’s performance.
When did Anshul Jubli make his UFC debut?
For the most part, Jubli is yet to make his full UFC debut. However, his first UFC-affiliated fight came at the Road to UFC: Episode 6 on October 23 last year. On the night, Jubli took on Korean lightweight, Kyung Pyo Kim. After an intense back-and-forth contest, Jubli was declared the winner by a split decision.
Following his win against Kim, Anshul’s final hurdle was in the form of the Indonesian Jeka Saragih. Ahead of his fight, many would not have favored Jubli’s odds against Saragih. However, Jubli was very confident and stated that he would be taking home the contract, for India and his family. With hopes and dreams of an entire nation on his back, Jubli delivered, and in some style.
Anshul Jubli becomes just the 2nd Indian-born UFC fighter EVER with his #RoadToUFC finals win 👏
[ #UFCVegas68 | Live now on @ESPNPlus ] pic.twitter.com/wcPzARGePN
— UFC (@ufc) February 5, 2023
Currently sporting an undefeated 7-0 professional record, there are high hopes from Jubli. Filled with passion and enthusiasm, the youngster is looking like a prospect to keep an eye out for. However, as with every fighter, there is still room for a lot of development for Jubli. Seeing that he will be fighting in the lightweight division, arguably the most stacked in the UFC, he will have to work very hard.
As of now, there is no news on when Anshul will take to the Octagon next. Since he did not sustain any significant injuries, we expect the Indian to be back in action in a few months’ time. When he does return, he will have the support of one of the most populated countries in the world behind him.
What did you make of Anshul Jubli’s performance at UFC Vegas 68? Do you think Jubli has the potential to be a UFC champion? Who do you want to see him fight next? Leave your thoughts in the comments below.
