Sikh UFC fighter Arjan Bhullar will wear a turban at this weekend’s MMA event
- Published
The former Olympian is hoping to shatter stereotypes - and put Indian MMA on the map
UFC heavyweight Arjan Bhullar has been cleared to wear a turban when he makes his entrance to the octagon this weekend at UFC Glendale.
Bhullar had hoped to wear the headpiece ahead of his last fight at UFC 215, but claims he was disallowed because of clothing regulations, external. However, the UFC has now reconsidered, given his fight on Saturday falls on the same day as Vaisakhi, a Sikh holy day.
The Canadian is hoping to inspire a new generation of Indian fighters, and change perceptions, when he walks out to fight Adam Wieczorek.
“I feel that it is important for me to use my platform and my career in mixed martial arts to transcend beyond sports,” Bhullar says. “I want to light a fire and break down barriers for my community, and ultimately inspire Indians across the globe. Every culture has their sports icon. I hope one day I can be that icon for the South Asian community.”
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Bhullar represented Canada’s wrestling team in the 2012 London Olympics, and had hoped to return when the UFC hosted an event at the O2 arena last month.
“We were trying to jump on the London card on 3 March," he says. "There’s a big Indian population there, but it wasn’t able to happen. They said, 'What about 14 April?' I said, 'That’s even better.'”
The unbeaten MMA fighter is also good friends with WWE champion Jinder Mahal, another Canadian-Indian wrestler who wears a Sikh turban ahead of his performances in the ring.
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“I’m glad Arjan has raised the awareness, and that the UFC understands the importance and the significance of it to him personally,” Mahal says. “All it takes is that one person to spearhead everything."
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“[Arjan] is one of those great athletes. Obviously, he has a high aptitude for whatever he does. It’s a little bit easier to transition into MMA, but I’m sure he would have been successful in WWE also.”
The UFC is yet to host an event in South Asia. However, Bhullar is hoping he can “connect the east and the west".
He says: “We’re trying to open up a new market in India. I’m happy to be that bridge. Every major sport wants that one-billion-plus fan base.”
When asked what crowd response he expects to his turban, Bhullar says: “Some of the fans will boo and troll, but it’s all good.
“That’s why this needs to happen - because they don’t understand what this is. Don’t fear the turban; embrace it.”
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