Warrior’s Dream Series gears
up for Fight Night 18 in Mumbai on August 28 and 29Indian and international fighters share their
perspectives ahead of the 18th edition of WDS Fight
Mumbai,
August 29, 2026: Warriors Dream Series,
India’s leading and fastest-growing MMA promotion, setting the benchmark for
scale, consistency and quality in Indian combat sports, is
set to bring Indian and international fighters together for Fight Night 18
August 29 at the CIDCO Exhibition & Convention Centre, Mumbai. Ahead of the
event, WDS held a press conference where fighters competing on the card shared
their perspectives on their preparation, upcoming matchups and the experience
of competing on a professional MMA fight card featuring international
competition.
The
press conference brought together fighters from the Fight Night 18 card, who
spoke about the challenges of their respective matchups and their preparations
ahead of fight night. The 13-bout professional MMA card features
fighters from India and across Asia, including international matchups that will
see Indian athletes compete against fighters from the Philippines and Russia. Among
the key matchups on the card, Jeko Laishram of India will take on Kimbert
Alintozon of the Philippines in the Flyweight division, while Tarun M
Hiremath and Gaganpal Singh Dua will compete in the Light Heavyweight
division. The international matchups form part of WDS’s continued focus on
bringing professional-level MMA competition to India and giving Indian fighters
opportunities to compete against athletes from outside the country.
Speaking
at the press conference, Sanjivan Padwal, Founder, Warriors Dream Series,
said, “With WDS, our aim is to build an Indian MMA property to global
standards, with a strong focus on professional fight curation, athlete
development, production and the overall fan experience. At the same time, we
want to create greater awareness around professional MMA in India and help
audiences appreciate the discipline, skill and athleticism that goes into the
sport. With every Fight Night, we are working towards creating a consistent
platform where Indian fighters can compete against international athletes,
while building a stronger MMA audience in the country. The long-term vision is
to take Indian MMA to the global stage.”
Sudhanshu
Srivastava, Founder & Promoter, Warriors Dream Series,
said, “We are excited for Fight Night 18 and to see the energy, madness and
enthusiasm that the fighters bring into the cage. The passion and determination
of these athletes is what makes every Fight Night special, and we are looking
forward to seeing that come alive in Mumbai. Fight Night 18 brings together a
strong mix of Indian and international fighters, giving athletes the
opportunity to compete in a high-quality and competitive environment. For us,
it is important that every edition delivers meaningful matchups while giving
fighters a platform to showcase their ability and connect with a growing
community of MMA fans.”
The
interaction also highlighted WDS’s larger objective of building professional
MMA and combat sports in India through a consistent series of Fight Night
events. The promotion is focused on creating a platform where fighters can
develop their careers, compete against stronger domestic and international
opposition and connect with a growing audience for the sport.With every
edition, WDS is working towards raising the standards of professional fight
curation, athlete development, event production and fan engagement. The
promotion also aims to create greater awareness around professional MMA in
India and help audiences recognise the discipline, skill and athleticism
involved in the sport.
Taking
inspiration from the global standards set by leading MMA properties such as the
UFC, WDS aspires to build a strong Indian MMA property with its own identity
and a consistent professional ecosystem. Its long-term vision is to develop
Indian fighters, create more opportunities for international competition and
take Indian MMA to the global stage. With 24 editions and more than 1,800
professional and amateur bouts hosted since April 2022, WDS has established
Fight Night as its core professional MMA property. Through its continuing
series of events, the promotion is building a platform that brings together
fighters, fans and partners while contributing to the growth of MMA and combat
sports in India.
About WDS
WDS
is among India’s most active and fastest-growing Mixed Martial Arts promotions.
Through its flagship properties, Fight Night and Rising Stars, WDS has
established a credible platform for both emerging and established athletes to
compete and advance their professional careers.
With
24 successful editions and over 1,800 professional and amateur bouts hosted,
WDS has played a significant role in strengthening India's combat sports ecosystem
and expanding the reach of MMA across the country.
Driven by a commitment to athlete development, world-class event production, and fan engagement, WDS continues to build pathways for Indian fighters while elevating the sport's profile on the national stage.