His first brush with mixed martial arts (MMA) began when his friend introduced him to Muay Thai when he was working in Pune during his early 20’s. The Tiivim based Nelson Paes has come a long way and has not only put Goa on the map but India as well with his victory at the Desert Force Championship in Dubai.
This was India’s first ever win at an international MMA event and the agile fighter took on Khadoum Al Kaabi of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in the featherweight category at Skydive Dubai. Desert Force Championship is the largest mixed martial arts promotion company in the UAE, and hosts most of the top-ranked Arab MMA fighters in the region.
With the Emirati city in the background, pulsating music and the most elite audience from the Arab world in full presence, Paes won favour with all and stole victory in three full rounds on a unanimous decision by the judges. Al Kaabi’s popularity on his home turf ensured a full house, but Paes bettered the local favourite with skill and agility.
“This was new territory for me as I am used to fighting in India with my fans supporting me. But I took these cheers as my own and ensured that it did not affect me. I was so proud to carry the Indian flag and represent my country. I knew from the moment of my selection that nothing would stop me from winning this for my country, state, my family and the Indian residents of Dubai,” Paes said.
Each round lasted five minutes and Al Kaabi did not let Paes steal the show easily. He was determined to win in front of his fans, and fought back valiantly in the second round even when he was floored. But Paes shot back with punch after punch and the judges’ decisions was clearly in his favour. His current MMA record now stands at 3-2-0 (win-loss-draw) with a current streak of three victories.
Still reeling with excitement over the win, Paes is looking forward to recovery for a month or two, and strategising his future moves. “Now I can see all the opportunities come my way and be ready for the next big moment in my life. My MMA career has kicked off in earnest now and I could not be happier. Right now, I would like to enjoy this moment,” he added. Paes earlier won major events organised in India by the country’s most popular martial arts entertainment company Combat Cage Fight (CCF).
Given the momentum that had started with CCF, Nelson feels this victory that has propelled him onto the international stage will also raise the interest levels in Goa and the rest of the country.
For instance, to celebrate his victory, the residents of Thivim along with other Goans held a rally from Calanagute to his home village and have expressed how proud they are of the son of the soil. “I certainly will agree that the interest has grown so much after winning this abroad. There is more curiosity about the event and when I am sure that this will only increase as I continue to fight abroad “ said the confident Nelson for him the sky is the limit.“I won’t be surprised if the kids start following the sport and want to take it up themselves “quipped Nelson.
He however has a word of advise for youngsters and in a message to his fellow Goans, Nelson speaks about how MMA sport may look fancy and colourful but one needs to be dedicated, focused, determined and consistent. He feels nothing can stop you if you have all these qualities even if you are faced with a tougher opponent on paper but that you have to believe in yourself and you will win.
Incidentally, Nelson has remained unbeaten but he stresses that winning is not easy. “The challenging part of this sport is to keep winning. Protect your record and stay ‘Unbeaten’. If you stay unbeaten, you will move up the ladder said Nelson who emphasises that winning at the same time is not easy.
Speaking about the conditions in Goa and India, Nelson lamented that that he has to train in Panvel for the lack of an optimum gymnasium in the state that can match his requirements. He adds that in a years time, he is hoping to have the dream gym in Goa that will also allow fellow MMA athletes to train.
“Yes MMA is one of the fastest growing sports in the world, in our country it still does not have the recognition it deserves yet,” said Nelson.
He rues the lack of requisite financial support for MMA in the country and states that India is still nowhere close to what fighters get paid in other countries while referring to expenses like coaching, doctors etc.
He credits CCF for ushering the change wherein fighters have started to see the light at the end of the tunnel.
“Whatever I have achieved today has been because CCF gave me the opportunity. From where I am looking at it, sky is the limit for CCF. They already have the best fighters in the country on their roster, they are putting on the best shows currently – in short there is nothing like CCF here and it’s only going to get better,” added Nelson.
Before Nelson moved to Pune after completing his studies and in search for a job, he used to excel at football and hocky. “ I worked in Puna for a few years and was doing well, but I was never at peace. That’s when MMA came into my life. I enjoy standing up and fighting but make no mistake , I am as lethal on the ground as I am when I am on my feet,” said Nelson.
