Grappling ace and Evolve MMA representative Roshan Mainam has submitted every ONE Championship opponent to date while showcasing ever-improving ground skills.

Next, Mainam will try to continue his streak against veteran compatriot Gurdarshan “Saint Lion” Mangat in a catchweight duel at ONE: DANGAL, which airs on the ONE Super App this Saturday, 15 May, at 6 p.m.

“I never expected that I would ever fight with Gurdarshan Mangat. However, I am looking forward to the fight,” Mainam said.

“To be honest, I am a bit hesitant to go up against him. But my team and ONE Championship have put the responsibility on my shoulders, and I will do my best inside the Circle.”

Make no mistake about it – Mainam isn’t lacking confidence. It’s just that the pair of Indian standouts are friends, which adds a whole new dynamic to this bout.

“We both were a part of Super Fight League in 2017, and I was really excited to meet him,” Mainam added.

“After that, we started to get to know each other very well. He is like an older brother to me. He has tremendous experience and he supports me a lot.”

If Mainam considers Mangat a brother, then it’ll be tough love for both of them when they enter the Circle together.

Moreover, Mangat’s skills won’t be lost on his opponent.

“Gurdarshan is a very good striker, and he has a lot more experience than me,” Mainam said.

“By the time I got into MMA, he already had tons of fight experience. So, I think his striking and experience are his biggest strengths.”

Mainam’s biggest strength, meanwhile, has always been his grappling, and he plans to make full use of that ground game when the compatriots meet at ONE: DANGAL.

“If I get an opportunity, then I would definitely go for the submission,” he said.

All in all, don’t expect any bad blood between the athletes when the dust settles and the smoke clears. At the end of the day, it’s all business.

“We will be inside the Circle for 15 minutes, where we will be performing our professional duties. I don’t think the result will affect our friendship in any way,” Mainam said.

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