Sangram Singh - From Wrestler to MMA champion

I had the absolute pleasure of welcoming none other than Sangram Singh; a renowned wrestler, MMA Fighter and an all round fitness powerhouse on the very first episode of my podcast.

He has once again made India proud on the global stage with a spectacular knockout victory at the Levels Fight League in Amsterdam, Netherlands. Known for his unwavering fitness, discipline, and determination, Sangram proved that true champions never age—they evolve. 

His performance not only inspired millions but also reinforced his image as a symbol of strength, perseverance, and national pride. Representing India with passion and power, he continues to motivate the youth to embrace fitness and sportsmanship.

Interestingly, he had confidently shared on my podcast that he would achieve this goal—and he did, just as promised.

As a nutritionist, my world revolves around food, health and mindful living. Sangram Singh's journey on the other hand comes from the harsh, gritty, highly-impactful world of professional sports and physical training. While our paths are completely different, our passion for fitness and wellness brought us together for a truly inspiring conversation.

In this episode, Sangram Singh and I open up about how our personal journeys towards fitness began. From mindset shifts to daily habits, we dig into the real stuff that fuels lasting changes.

Below I have noted down some key moments from the episode that standout and you definitely wouldn't want to miss out on.

From Rejection to Resilience: Sangram Singh's Inspiring Comeback Story

Rheumatoid Arthritis is a chronic autoimmune disease that primarily affects joints, causing implication, pain and stiffness.

Life has a way of knocking you - especially when you're chasing something you're truly passionate about. And guess what? Even someone as strong and successful as Sangram Singh isn't immune to the struggle.

Before the fame, the medals, and the massive wins, Sangram Singh faced rejection like so many of us do. But his story isn't about failing. It is about rising, again and again.

He was diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis, a painful autoimmune condition that causes chronic inflammation in the joints and, in many cases, has no real cure. For the most people, that would be reason enough to press pause on big dreams. But not for Sangram Singh.

Instead of backing down, he battled through the pain, trained his mind and body, and proved everyone wrong. Fast forward to today, he just got back from Dubai after winning an MMA fight. That's right. From barely being able to walk to stepping into the ring as a champion.

It's a story of a whole lot of resilience - and I can't wait for you hear more of it on the podcast.

What's Fuelling a Champion like Sangram Singh

When it comes to everyday nutrition, Indian food truly shines. It's naturally balanced - fiber, protein, and even sugar are all in check. You don't have to be an elite athlete to benefit from it either. For most people, this kind of wholesome, home-cooked food is exactly what you need to stay healthy and energised for life.

Now, I know you're probably wondering how Sangram Singh, yes the wrestling champ MMA fighter - stays strong and agile at 40, an age where most people are eyeing retirement, not stepping back into the ring.

Well, let's take a peek at what powers his day.

Sangram Singh lives by one simple food rule: don't let your plate hit the sink until it's clean - not just our of discipline, but out of respect for your food and body. His meals are built for performance and endurance, and here's the kicker - he's a strict vegetarian.

What's on his plate? Think milk, millet, roti, and ghee; clean, nutrient-dense foods that proved lasting energy without the crash. What he doesn't obsess over? calorie counts, weight fluctuations, or fat percentages. His focus is on how he feels and performs, not on chasing numbers.

Sangram Singh's approach is refreshingly simple, deeply rooted in tradition, and proves that you can fuel a high-performance life with a humble Indian thali.

And hey, here's a little tip from me, Ryan Fernando - While you might not be gearing up for an MMA fight, keeping a meal plan and eating with intention can go a long way. Avoid mindless munching - it's one of the biggest disruptors of long-term health.

Learning Manners And Respect For Teacher And Elders

Respecting your elders and learning from your teachers is something most of us grow up hearing - but in the world of sports, that respect is taken to an entirely new level.

From Sangram Singh, these values weren't just part of his training - they were part of his upbringing. From a young age, his mother made sure he understood the power of manners, humility, and respect. Even though his parents didn't have the privilege of a formal education, the passed down something far more valuable - character.

And those lessons stuck.

Today, Sangram Singh doesn't just win fights - he wins hearts. He travels the world, not just as a wrestler or MMA fighter, but as a role model who carries his values everywhere he goes. People respect his discipline and drive, sure - but it's his grounded nature and old-school courtesy that truly leaves a lasting impression.

His story is a powerful reminder that success isn't just about titles and trophies - it's about the kind of person you become along the way.

The episode with Sangram Singh was spectacular. He brought his experiences and knowledge to the table and answered all my burning questions. It was truly a heart-to-heart conversation – where we explored his personal life. The more I spoke to Sangram Singh, the more I viewed him as a soul that carries a pure heart but also an experienced wrestler and MMA fighter that has trained his entire life and has a lot of discipline that brought him the success he has now.