Is Ritu Phogat Hitting Her Stride In Mixed Martial Arts?

Ritu “The Indian Tigress” Phogat took another step forward in her professional mixed martial arts career last Friday, 28 February, at ONE: KING OF THE JUNGLE.

The Indian wrestling sensation improved to 2-0 after dominating “Miss Red” Wu Chiao Chen to earn a unanimous decision win.

Phogat started strong and never looked back – she closed the distance, took her Chinese opponent to the canvas, and rained down a series of ground and pound.

When the action resumed in the second stanza, Phogat nearly leveled Wu with a powerful right hand.

In the final round, the Evolve representative turned to her wrestling roots and proceeded to control the action on the ground, where she dominated Wu.

It was a game plan that worked to perfection as Wu’s best efforts to scramble did little to separate herself from the Indian athlete’s superior wrestling technique.

“The Indian Tigress” has looked increasingly comfortable on her feet and on the ground, and she is ready to take the next step in her mixed martial arts journey.

But before she can move up the ranks and earn a shot at the ONE Women’s Atomweight World Title, Phogat will need to test her skills against a high caliber opponent.

ONE Warrior Series graduate Nyrene “Neutron Bomb” Crowley could be the perfect candidate.

The Bali MMA representative has a versatile kickboxing skill set that could pose a significant threat to the Indian. In addition to that, Crowley, who has six professional bouts to her name, has three times more mixed martial arts experience.

The Kiwi athlete will not be an easy assignment, but if Phogat can defuse the “Neutron Bomb,” it could send her to the top of the atomweight division.

Up next, The Home Of Martial Arts returns to action on 20 March for ONE: HEART OF HEROES at the Phu Tho Indoor Stadium in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.