Ritu Phogat motivated by motherhood ahead of MMA return at ONE 171: Qatar

Doha, Qatar: Ritu Phogat was born into a famed wrestling family in India where winning became a habit. But now, her goal is something even bigger wi...

Doha, Qatar: Ritu Phogat was born into a famed wrestling family in India where winning became a habit. But now, her goal is something even bigger – winning as a mother.

At ONE 171: Qatar, "The Indian Tigress" returns to the Circle to face submission specialist and #2-ranked Ayaka Miura in an atomweight MMA showdown at Lusail Sports Arena in Doha on Thursday, February 20.

For the 30-year-old Phogat, the fight is more than just about winning to enter the divisional rankings. She also wants to prove that motherhood hasn't slowed her down. Instead, it has made her even stronger.

"Now, I don't fight for myself but for my child. This makes me stronger because when my child grows up, he’ll know how much effort his mother put in. That’s what motivates me the most," Phogat said.

Phogat was raised in a family of champions. Her father, Mahavir Singh Phogat, is a legendary wrestling coach, and her sisters have won Olympic medals.