Expectations and anticipation built to the roof of Rogers Place in Edmonton by the time Arjan Singh Bhullar made his first walk to the Octagon in the featured bout of the UFC FIGHT PASS prelims as part of UFC 215.HUGE right hand by @TheOne_ASB drops Henrique, then follows it up with the big takedown! #UFC215 pic.twitter.com/5dMaMtZctF
— #UFC215 (@ufc) September 9, 2017
And the first Sikh and Indo-Canadian fighter in UFC history delivered.
Bhullar landed a few big bombs and a big slam before winning his Octagon debut by unanimous decision versus Luis Henrique, 29-28, 29-28, 29-28.
WATCH THE REPLAY OF BHULLAR'S DEBUT NOW ON UFC FIGHT PASS
“It feels great to get the first one under my belt. That was wrestling 101,” Bhullar said. “I’ve never felt better and that showed tonight. I controlled the pace and did what I wanted in there.”
Bhullar landed a stiff right hand in the first round that opened a cut over the eye of Henrique. The Indo-Canadian was throwing a ton of feints, threatening his Olympic-level wrestling against Henrique, who landed a few of his own in the opening round. In the second, Bhullar took over and connected on another right hand and then a lift and half-slam that brought the crowd to its feet. Bhullar slowed in the final round but did enough to complete the victory in what was an impressive debut."Over 1 billion strong. We're coming!" @TheOne_ASB puts on for India and puts the heavyweight division on notice! #UFC215 pic.twitter.com/dbNLozMUrJ
— #UFC215 (@ufc) September 9, 2017
After the fight, Bhullar spoke to former light heavyweight champion Daniel Cormier inside the Octagon about his big win. He said he’s planning on coming for the top of the heavyweight division and he’s bringing all of India with him.
“Next for me is a trip to India. I am proud to represent my country of more than 1 billion people and feel this is a huge moment for the development of MMA and UFC worldwide,” he said. “I look forward to competing in the Octagon again soon.”
