#TFGinterview: Navdeep Aggarwal talks his Upcoming Fight at GWFC, team culture and much more

TEAM RELENTLESS HAS BEEN HOME FOR SOME of the most iconic Indian MMA fighters over the years. Fighting out of a team with such a rich history is no easy task but Navdeep Aggarwal is embracing the opportunity and taking one step at a time.

Currently the reigning Yoddha Fighting Championship Flyweight Champion, Navdeep is set for yet another International venture when he fights at the Golden Warriors Fighting Championship in Malaysia this month.

His last fight in the promotion saw him secure a win against Seah Zhang Yu, who is considered to be one of the best Amateur Flyweights in South East Asia. It was a big statement from Navdeep and the fact that it came in his first fight on foreign soil makes the win more important.

Navdeep Aggarwal: It was my first fight on foreign soil and also after winning the Yoddha FC Flyweight title so I knew there were a lot of expectations from me. I didn't feel much pressure as we had a solid training camp leading to the fight but I was surely excited to get in the cage and put up a good performance.

The performance that Navdeep delivered that night earned cheers from the crowd even though he was fighting a local hero.

Navdeep Aggarwal: During the fight, after the first round, I have to admit that it was surprising to hear people cheering my name especially considering I was fighting an almost local hero. But it pushed me to do better. Training under Jitendra Khare & Nick Kilstein alongside other members of Team Relentless one thing we always work on is to auto-tune to the Corner's voice and shut out all other noises. So I was following instructions and just letting my training take over.

This win catapulted Navdeep to top of the food chain. He was handed a title fight subsequently and was supposed to fight for the inaugural GWFC Flyweight title against Alvin Ang this month. However, an injury to Alvin has dashed the title plans and in turn, Navdeep will now face Aaron Lo at the event.

Not having the title might be a big blow, but Navdeep has a different mentality altogether. For him, it’s all about learning and getting better every day.

Navdeep Aggarwal: I would love to say that the titles don't matter but it's always great getting recognized for the efforts and work being put in and winning the strap to add to the team's achievements. I feel that's my give back for everything my team does for me. Plus the belt looks so good that I have to put in that extra effort. But all jokes apart, the whole process is very important and especially at this early stage of my career. My coach always says that winning or losing isn't important. What is important is that I'm a better fighter today than I was yesterday and will be even better tomorrow. We don't focus on results but on the efforts and I feel that also keeps the pressure away.

Also, thanks to the team culture that is being followed by Team Relentless, the change in opponent rarely derails the preparations.

Navdeep Aggarwal: As a team culture we don't analyze our opponent's too much as we are expecting that they too have gotten better since their last fight. The focus is on being the best MMA fighter I can be on 25th November so that I can handle the fight wherever it goes.

Currently pursuing his Higher Secondary degree via correspondence, he hopes to continue educating himself while balancing his fighting career. But just like most of the other MMA fighters in the nation, attaining financial independence is a big hurdle for Navdeep.

Navdeep Aggarwal: I'm also currently working as an Assistant trainer at Evolution Fitness and Combat Sports Academy, Mumbai and conduct personal training too. It's tough being a fighter and a trainer but it has given me some degree of financial independence.

Fetching sponsors for the International fights have not been easy as well. Running around to accumulate the travel expenses is probably the last thing a fighter would want to do while preparing for a huge fight. Navdeep admits that it’s an on-going struggle despite having strong support from his team.

Navdeep Aggarwal: My coach and team members alongside me are all trying to find sponsors for the fight. We haven't yet found many but I guess it's an on-going struggle. My coach doesn't want me to get distracted and stay focused but I realize there is a lot of hard work being put in by everyone for me and I will try my best not to let their efforts go to waste.

These hurdles though, are not hindering the dream.  From a kid who wanted to be like Bruce Lee to one of the fastest rising MMA fighters in the nation, the journey has only started for Navdeep.

Navdeep Aggarwal: I'm training every day to get better and improve my skills so that I can be a better version of me every time I step in the cage. I know I have just started the steep climb and there is a long journey ahead of me but I'm determined to make it to the top. Slowly but surely I will keep climbing up.

I respect all my opponents as they push me and force me to improve. I also have huge respect for all other MMA fighters struggling to make it in India as I know how difficult it is. Having said that I'm willing to fight anyone my coach decides, in India or abroad, and test my skills. Respect All Fear None

UPDATE: The fight of Navdeep at GWFC has been postponed to January due to the flooding situation in Penang. Navdeep, however, will be fighting at the Ultimate Beatdown event in December.

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