Ritu Phogat knocks out Jomary Torres on her way to fourth consecutive MMA win

Ritu Phogat, a wrestler-turned-mixed martial arts fighter won her fourth consecutive MMA championship title in Singapore on Friday. The 26-year-old who won a gold medal at the 2016 Commonwealth Wrestling Championship, beat Philippines’ Jomary Torres through a technical knockout in the first round of the One Championship (ONE) at the Singapore Indoor Stadium.

Following her triumph, the martial arts fighter tweeted, “It’s 4-0. Your love, support and prayers all worked. I can’t thank enough, my coaches, my team, my country, for believing in me and supporting me throughout my journey so far. It’s a team effort and I am enjoying my run. I promise to carry the same momentum to 2021.”

Despite earning her third-straight victory in 2020, opponent Torres dominated over Phogat in the opening exchanges in the match, stunning the Indian by landing straight punches at the start of the match. Following her nervous start, Phogat attempted a takedown and was swift to end the fight, overpowering her opponent and forcing her into a mounted crucifix manoeuvre and landing brutal elbow drops from the top.

The Indian maintained her pro-MMA 4-0 record, and following the match stated, “I am constantly pushing my boundaries in the circle and the match with Jomary bore witness to the same. I am so fortunate to have got the opportunity to fight her at the ONE: Big Bang. Although this was not an easy match, I know I have bigger challenges to combat in future. My next focus is securing the top spot at the ONE Women’s Atomweight Grand Prix tournament and I am working relentlessly to bring the glory home.

The 26-year-old added, “I had to miss my sister’s wedding for the match and have really sacrificed to get to this level. I am really looking forward to visit home for a couple of weeks now although I don’t want it to hamper my training.”

Phogat, who also has an Asian bronze to her name, further said, “My heart is in the right place and my passion is undeterred to expedite India’s run in the MMA space. We must have started late but I’ll ensure that we get there sooner than the others! I wish to start an academy for MMA athletes in India down the line, although that vision may take some time to transform into reality.”