PANJIM: Nelson Paes, Goa’s top mixed martial arts (MMA) fighter is all set to make India proud at the first ever Brave Combat Federation event in Mumbai on April 22. Nelson, a talented Goan athlete has been chosen to represent the country at the upcoming MMA event organised by the Bahrain-based martial arts promotion organisation.
Paes’ four-win streak has not been broken so far, and the fighter is raring to go, boosted by his success at India’s first entertainment sport Combat Cage Fight (CCF) and the Desert Force Championship in Dubai last year.
“There are about eight fighters from India who are participating in the tournament, which is having three rounds of five minutes each. I fight in 66 kilos, which is a feather weight category. I was selected on the basis of my recent performances. I have represented India on many occasion, and winning in a row,” informed Nelson at a press conference held at Mall De Goa, Porvorim, on Wednesday, before flying to Bahrain for intensive training.
“I always wanted to be a sportsman. I had to quit sports after my studies and I started working in Pune but I was not satisfied with my routine job and then I realised that I was drifting away from my dreams. It was too late for me to get back into hockey or football and so I discovered MMA and there was no looking back,” he said.
About his fight Nelson said, “I am fighting a guy from Philippines (Ronaldo Gabriel Dy Navarette), an experienced fighter, who has eight wins and four losses. He is very technical but I am better than him and will definitely return home with success.”
“I am thrilled to have been selected to represent my country in a sport that I am so passionate about. With this great opportunity and the support of my family and friends, I am confident of another win for my country,” said 29-year-old Paes.
Bhuvanish Shet, Director of Mall de Goa said, “Our endeavour has been to promote local talents wherever possible. We wish Nelson all the best for his next fight and hope he wins the fight for India, Goa and Mall De Goa.”
Brave Combat Federation is Asia’s largest MMA organisation and will host the fifth edition in Mumbai. The nail-biting bouts will take place at The Dome Stadium, National Sports Club of India.
“I am currently training as hard as possible I can, pushing myself beyond what I thought was impossible for me. All the love, support and respect from my people around the world, especially from Goa, is my biggest motivation and one of the reasons I want to keep going and keep fighting,” he added.
The young fighter from Thivim has constantly worked hard over the years, earning fame with knock out bouts and thrilling wins against opponents from across the globe.
He has scripted wins at two Combat Cage Fights, as well as India’s first international MMA fight in Thailand and at the Desert Force Championship in Dubai.
Mall de Goa is one of the sponsors of Nelson Paes. Director of Mall de Goa Bhuvanish Shet, Nelson’s coach Rahim Bernard and General Manager of Jai Bhuvan Group Gautam Kharangate were present.
