#TFGinterview: Nelson Paes and the growth Of Mixed Martial Arts in Goa

THE MARTIAL ARTS SCENE in Goa is thriving.

The state, known for its irresistible beaches, natural serendipity and a handful of other factors, is now embracing MMA and Nelson Paes, is arguably the biggest reason.

For Nelson, all of this started from a dream; a dream to represent the country.

Nelson Paes: It has always been my dream to be a sportsperson and to represent my country India. I have always been passionate about sports.  As a kid I played various games and also represented my state Goa in football and hockey.

But soon, life caught up with him. Just like the caterpillar restricted into a cocoon, Nelson had to take up a job in BPO so that he could support his family. Realizing that he is travelling away from his dreams, he had to make a tough decision.

Nelson Paes: After high secondary I started working to support my family as I was the only man in the house with three sisters and my mother. I worked at different firms mainly in BPO where I learnt a lot and was good financially. But after years of working in BPO, I realized that’s I had gone too far away from my dream and this was not the life I wanted to live. So I had to make decision money or no money.

He was introduced to MMA by a friend. It wasn’t love at first sight, but within a matter of weeks, Nelson found something special in MMA and decided to take a huge leap of faith.

Nelson Paes:  I took a huge gamble since I was new to combat sport and also MMA was not popular in India but this was my one shot to achieve and live my dream and I strongly believe that MMA is next big thing.   

And not surprisingly, the hardship involved in combat sports was something that concerned his family.

While he did not care about what people outside his family thought about his decision, he knew that he had to convince his family. Being the youngest didn’t help either.

Nelson Paes: In the beginning they were not sure about me taking MMA as a career. It didn’t sound normal to them obviously they just saw the violent side of it as they dint know the sport much also they was concerned about me getting hurt. I’m the youngest and the only brother or men in the house so I was like a baby boy to my family. But when they saw my dedication and seriousness towards the sport is when they realized that I was willing to accept the damage and they changed their mind. So that was a big achievement to get my family support so now I could focus more into this sports with no emotionally stress.  Also today they have become very supportive and have gone on to become my biggest strength.

The beginnings turned out to be hard. He made his professional debut in the Super Fight League back in 2013 and suffered two back to back losses in the promotion. After taking a break and going back to the drawing board, Nelson made a triumphant return with Combat Cage Fighting where he secured two wins.

But the highlight of his career, however, came at Desert Force 20. Nelson defeated Khudoum Al Kaabi via decision at the event and next year, he plans to get gold in the promotion.

Nelson Paes: I plan to fight at Desert Force very soon hopefully by end of January. I’m already preparing myself for it and very hungry for another win. My future plans for 2017 to keep fighting and winning and to get the Desert Force Featherweight belt to India.

As Nelson aims to make history by doing so, one of his biggest strengths will be the people of Goa.

Nelson Paes: I am so humbled and overwhelmed by the support I received from the people, local businesses and politician from Goa. It was a game changer for me when Mall De Goa Sponsored my training in Thailand a few months back. Also to receive a standing ovation on stage with our defense minister, Goa’s CM, Minister of Tourism and the local MLA’s in front of thousands of people a few weeks back. Also Tito’s and few other brands are supporting me for my future endeavors.

With his newly opened gym, Nelson aims to give back the love and create more MMA fighters from Goa.

Nelson Paes: I have now opened up my own gym call (Nelson Paes / MMA Club) in Calangute, Goa, where any interested individual can come and learn to Fight/self-defense and get in shape. Classes are available on mornings and evenings with special requests for Personal Training Sessions also accommodated. The long term plan is to produce fighters that will represent my gym. I’m very thrilled with this, to be able to contribute to people and teach them what I have learnt and to share my experiences.

Being an MMA fighter himself, Nelson is well aware of the hurdles that one could face when taking up the MMA as a career choice.

Nelson Paes: Lack of sponsors and financial stability is the major problems that every fighter is facing. We are still nowhere close to what fighters get paid in other countries. It’s difficult to sustain the expenses of coaching, supplements, doctors etc.  All needs to be taken into consideration especially when you compete and represent your country.

The road to success might not have shortcuts.

Bound to be bombarded with negativity; hard work and patience could be crucial according to Nelson.  

Nelson Paes: My advice to guys and girls looking to take up MMA as a profession is to take that first step. Train hard, respect your body, be technically sound and learn to be patient. These are just a few things that they need to keep in mind but let me tell you - nothing can be a substitute to clean and honest hard work.

As for Nelson and Goa, there is a long road ahead and it looks promising.  

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