Shadab Rafi’s quest for MMA success

At an age when many youngsters are still exploring their career options, 18-year-old Shadab Rafi from South Kashmir’s Anantnag district has already charted a unique path through the demanding world of combat sports.

A two-time national medallist in taekwondo and a wrestling medal winner, Shadab has now set his sights on Mixed Martial Arts (MMA), one of the fastest-growing combat sports in the world.

In an interaction with Greater Kashmir, Shadab said his journey into sports began in childhood. Shadab said he was fascinated by martial arts from an early age.

“I have always been interested in martial arts. Since childhood, I have trained in different combat sports, including taekwondo, wrestling and wushu. These sports helped me build a strong foundation,” he said.

Shadab said that 3 years ago, he was introduced to MMA, a sport that combines techniques from multiple martial arts disciplines.

“MMA is a mixture of all martial arts. When I tried it for the first time, I felt that I was made for this sport. My background in wrestling, taekwondo and wushu helped me tremendously. That is when I decided to give it my full commitment,” he said.

Like many athletes in Kashmir, Shadab had to balance sporting ambitions with academic responsibilities and societal expectations.

“My parents have always supported me, but in Kashmir, people often encourage you to focus more on studies. It can be difficult to convince others that sports can also be a serious profession,” he said.

Having recently completed his Class 12 education through CBSE, Shadab acknowledges that pursuing MMA professionally demands significant sacrifices.

“You can continue studies alongside sports, but if you want to excel in MMA professionally, you have to dedicate yourself completely. It requires time, effort and commitment,” he said.

Shadab said that his training sessions begin early and include a combination of technical drills, strength and conditioning exercises, running, hill sprints and sparring sessions designed to prepare him for the physical and mental demands of the sport.

“The journey is hard and challenging. There will be sacrifices and obstacles, but I believe I have the potential to achieve my goals. I have faith in myself, and I am ready for the challenges,” he said.

Throughout his journey, Shadab credits his parents and coaches for their unwavering support.

“The contribution of my coaches and parents has been immense. Whatever I have achieved so far would not have been possible without them,” he says.

Like many aspiring MMA fighters around the world, Shadab draws inspiration from elite competitors known for their discipline and mental strength.

“What inspires me most is the discipline and mentality of top fighters. MMA is not just about physical strength; it is a mental game. Watching fighters like Khabib teaches us the importance of discipline, patience and dedication,” he said.

For Shadab, martial arts extend beyond competition and medals. He views them as a way of life that shapes character and personality.

“Martial arts are not about aggression or fighting. They teach discipline, respect and self-control. It becomes a lifestyle that helps you become a better person in every aspect of life,” he said.