#TFGinterview: Chaitanya Gavali talks the evolution Of Indian MMA, his fight at Brave 5 and much more

CHAITANYA GAVALI IS A NAME synonymous with MMA in India. One of the most respected fighters from the country, Chaitanya has been making his mark on a domestic and international level for nearly a decade now.

A veteran that has seen it all, Chaitanya’s last fight came back at Brave 5 where he fought Jeremy Pacatiw. In a closely contested fight, the Indian suffered a split decision loss but the whole fight was a learning experience for him, just like all his other outings.

Chaitanya Gavali: I knew I had the upper hand in the grappling department. My job was to keep the pressure on him the entire fight. The last round when we were both on our feet Jeremy was maintaining his distance effectively to avoid my take downs. I should have taken advantage of that backward movement and lack of aggression from his side to use my striking more effectively, I could have definitely landed a few punches then and done more damage.

At the end it was a close split decision, the fight could have gone either way. Ultimately even though I got the L, this fight with Jeremy is definitely one of my favorite ones. Mistakes were made, lessons were learned, corrections will be made and a better I will form.

As he mentioned, one of the strongest points in Chaitanya’s resume is his ground game. And when compared with fighters from other nations, it is one department that the Indian fighters were seen lacking. While he is adamant about the fact that Indian fighters should work on the ground game, he went on to add that other aspects should not be ignored.

Chaitanya Gavali: Mixed Martial Arts is an ever evolving sport. In a bygone era it was enough to be competent only in one’s ground game, it changed to amazing strikers who could prevent the fight from going to the ground. The new age of athletes is above average in all aspects of MMA. Yes it is very important that Indian fighters concentrate on their ground game but they should not ignore the aspects of the stand up fight too.

What makes Chaitanya’s words credible is the experience that he has. He has seen how the sport has evolved over the years in India and he recalled the same in the best way possible.

Chaitanya Gavali: I’ve been fortunate enough to have trained alongside many talented individuals. They were very good at their respective arts but for MMA one needs to adapt, like the infamous Bruce Lee quote ‘be formless. Shapeless, like water. If you put water into a cup, it becomes the cup. You put water into a bottle and it becomes the bottle. You put it in a teapot, it becomes the teapot. Now, water can flow or it can crash. Be water, my friend’.

Adaptability in training and also in a fight is paramount. That is a mindset that needs to change in Indian athletes. Before there was minimum guidance when it came to Brazilian Jiu Jitsu/Submissions and wrestling for MMA (pure wrestling and wrestling adapted for MMA is slightly different). We had coaches from abroad occasionally coming to India for a few days teaching us techniques. I was part of the first generation of fighters that actively wanted to learn, even if it meant getting out of my comfort zone, going abroad, getting dominated and eventually learning. Now because of that initial temperament and want to learn we have a few home grown legitimate practitioners, elite Mixed Martial Artist who are guiding the new generation forward.

As a fighter, Chaitanya has also traveled a long way. He expressed his gratitude towards the coaches that helped him reach where he is now and is imparting all his knowledge to the next generation.

Chaitanya Gavali: We have a lot of youngsters training at the gym, they are highly motivated and hungry to learn. Knowledge is of no use unless used and shared. Everyone I meet and train know something which I don’t, it’s a process of mutual benefit. We all grow.

And the best part is: he loves his job. Not a luxury that many people can boast about.

Chaitanya Gavali: Training is part of my life now. Like waking up and brushing your teeth, it’s a habit, I don’t think twice about it. Even when I am not fighting I always train at the gym, it’s fun and it’s my job. How many people get the luxury to say they turned their hobby into their profession?

If I am not training, I mostly stay at home and take advantage of the extra free time and spend it with my family. If I have no fight coming up I like to go out and train at different gyms to better my-self that 1% every day.

Coming back to Brave Combat Federation, even before his fight at Brave 5, Chaitanya had associated with the promotion as his team mate Sunny Khatri fought at Brave 1. The veteran is thankful for the opportunity which was given to him and promised to come back strong.

Chaitanya Gavali: From the very first event itself they shared the vision they believe in and also showcased what they are capable of. I am extremely thankful to his highness Prince Sheikh Khaled Hamad Al Khalifa and CEO of Brave Combat Federation Mr. Mohammed Shahid for the opportunity to compete at Brave.

I am contracted with Brave Combat Federation for a total of three fights. As of now I have no update from Brave on my next fight. I have absolutely no wish to fight elsewhere at the moment. I will redeem my loss, get back on the winning streak and fly the tricolors high.

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