Goan boy Abdul Rahim Shaikh is instrumental in bringing MMA to Goa and making it a household name. Four times National Champion, Abdul comes with a long list of national and international accolades. 27-year-old Rahim is the only Goan who currently holds the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu belt. Rahim has trained under the former UFC champion Khabib Nurmagomedov and is a passionate young man determined to bring MMA to its peak in Goa. He has brought the association to Goa facilitating young aspirants with all the tools required to learn the techniques and practice them. Rahim got candid with us about his journey so far.
How did you get into MMA?
The initial years of my life were spent in the Middle East. In 2010, I came back to Goa because my grandmother was ill. I found it difficult to get accustomed to Konkani because I had studied in an Arabic school. As a result, I was not doing well in school. On the advice of my cousin, I decided to take on a sport and make good use of the extra 30 marks we got in school upon participation in sports. The sport I chose was Judo and it gave me various option combat styles to choose from. I got inclined towards MMA in Goa, as it is a sport with great intricacy and teaches not just fighting but how to avoid fights and that’s where my journey in MMA began.
Who is your role model?
I have two role models. The first is a Cuban American fighter, Jorge Masvidal. And my second role model is Khabib Nurmagomedov, a Russian fighter.
You’ve studied Mechanical engineering. How did you balance both- your passion for MMA and your college schedule?
I got into a Mechanical engineering college in Mangalore but I quit two years into my degree to focus on myself and my sport. My family was against this transition, but I had already made up my mind. I started fighting and won a couple of national championships. Then, I started my gym and here I am. I believe that consistency is the key. I believe in showing up every day, working hard, and not competing with others but competing solely with myself.
How have your experiences been in all the international tournaments you were a part of?
In terms of the events and their organization, it was great! However, in India, it is more expensive to participate in this sport because of the registration fees and the living expenses for the duration of the event. But in international events, your expenses are, for the most part, taken care of by the event organizers themselves. This is one major difference between national and international events that I noticed.
Which was your most memorable fight?
My most memorable fight would be the fight in 2019 that I participated in under the banner of the IMMAF World Championship 2019. My opponent was a Lebanese fighter. I won this fight and was ranked 24th globally.
What are the various titles you have won?
I have won four of the five MMA national championships that I have participated in. I then got selected for the World Championship, which was held in Bahrain, this is called IMMAF (International Mixed Martial Arts Federation) World Championships. This is like the Olympics of MMA. I participated in the IMMAF twice and finished 24th in the world. I have also participated in Judo nationals, Kurash nationals, a combat style practiced in Central Asia and I am also a serial champion in my state in Khurash, Judo, Wushu Sanda, and Grappling National Champion. Overall, I have 15 to 16 national events in all the sports combined.
What made you choose the bantamweight category?
I fight at 61.5 kg. A bantamweight category ranges from 57.2–61.2 kg. It gets its name from the bantam chickens, also called featherweights. MMA is all about making smart choices and making the best of the opportunities presented to you. I fight in this category because my body fits this category well, I am quick and dominant in this weight class. I have extra reach over other fighters fighting at bantamweight and this is where I have more of an advantage over my opponents.
How are you preparing for Goa’s Fight Night 2,0? you mentally?
A month before a fight, I follow a strict diet, low in carbs and high in fat and protein. I also use a thermal suit, do a lot of cardio, and do high-intensity interval training (HIIT) workouts. Mentally, I train for endurance and stability. Staying fit physically helps tremendously with that.
How do you think the MMA scene is going to change in Goa and what is the scope for young aspirants?
The MMA scene in Goa has grown quite a bit. I often get requests from athletes in North Goa asking for either help or MMA fighting equipment. And I am often asked to organize events in North Goa. But, my sole focus is on South Goa. In fact, we organized an event called Goa’s Fight Night 1.0 in Fatorda last year which was a success. We were supported by Vijay Sardessai, who is also the president of the MMA association. A massive crowd attended the event. I want to ensure that this event becomes a calendar event that offers a platform for Goan MMA athletes to showcase their skills. A large number of Goan athletes cannot afford to fight in other cities like Bangalore, Delhi, and Haryana because most often participating in these fights is an expensive affair. That is what led to the inception of Goa’s Fight Night. On April 1st, we are heading into the second edition of Goa’s Fight Night 2.0 which will be held in Fatorda.
What can help the MMA scene to improve in the state?
There is a lack of support in terms of unity in the community and financial funds available. Luckily, in December 2021, we received support from Vijay Sardessai. We are looking for support from the government, and from our current MLAs who are leading our constituencies.
What is your goal as an athlete?
My dream is to sign a contract with the Brave Combat Federation which is a league in Bahrain, owned and run by the King of Bahrain HRH King Hamad Bin Isa Al Khalifa.
Can you tell us about your key achievements and the MMA in Goa?
I am the first of many things. In 2019, I was the first Goan to have the Brazilian jiu-jitsu belt which no Goan has achieved yet. I am also the first Goan to win the MMA National Championship and the Grappling Championship for Goa. And, I am the first Goan to create an MMA association in Goa of which Mr. Vijay Sardesai is the President. With his support, I have started Goa’s Fight Night, a tournament for MMA fighters to showcase their talent and get an international level experience of such tournaments.
You run a Martial Arts Club Rahim’s Ultimate Fight Factory. What was the inspiration and vision for that?
After I became a National Champion consecutively in 2016, 2017, and 2018, a number of people who wanted to train under me began to contact me via Facebook and Instagram. That is when I decided to open an MMA gym and Rahim’s Ultimate Fight Factory was born. I opened up this gym in 2019 in Davorlim on February 9th. The main idea behind Rahim’s Ultimate Fight Factory is to provide a platform to MMA athletes in Goa and to give them the guidance they need.
Lastly, a message for aspiring fighters of MMA in Goa?
At the moment, MMA is the second-fastest-growing sport on the planet. It is also the most-watched sport in the world. Keeping that in mind, the future is bright for aspiring and willing MMA fighters. They should believe in themselves and put in efforts consistently and they will definitely get the results that they dream of.
