Get to know rising Indian star Edukondal Rao ahead of his PFL debut on February 24th

At the beginning of last year, Anshul Jubli said this on live television: “Namaste UFC, India is here!”

Jubli’s statement can be said for the Professional Fighters League (PFL) a year later. The PFL has been deemed the world’s second-best mixed martial arts (MMA) promotion. Indian MMA fans, you have someone new to be excited about.

On Saturday, February 24th, the “PFL vs. Bellator: Champs” mega event will occur in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. On the prelims, hometown hero Abdullah Al-Qahtani will take on rising Indian superstar Edukondal “The Badger” Rao. This high-profile fight card will feature matchups between champions from both the PFL and Bellator organizations. It will also host the professional debut of Muhammad Ali’s grandson, Biaggio Ali Walsh.

Rao was raised in Bangalore, India, and has compiled a record of 5-1 with every victory coming via stoppage. He is also the second-ever Indian fighter to be signed by the PFL. Here is what Anik Subramanian of FightBook MMA thinks you should know about the rising prospect ahead of the biggest fight in his life:

What interested Rao in MMA, and what has he accomplished so far?

While Rao cannot pinpoint where this interest started, his mother noticed he liked the idea of fighting from a young age. “I feel that high when I fight,” he admitted. “Fighting is more of an instinct.”

In 2012, Rao started taekwondo and practiced for 6 years under 7th-degree black belt H.L. Muthappa at the Deccan Taekwondo Academy. He then transitioned to mixed martial arts when he joined Phenomenal MMA Academy under Raj Viperidae. In his fighting career, he won the WKN belt in 2021 and the WAKO national in 2022. This led to him earning an MFN contract, where he most recently competed.

How does Rao deal with Indian societal opinions on martial arts?

In Indian society, many elders believe academics is the only path to success. Due to years of oppression, a majority of India’s billion residents view education as the safest route toward stability. Rao was brutally honest about the challenges athletes face in his home country. “If you’re in the sport, of course, they look down in a very bad way,” he explained. “You feel deserted.”

On the bright side, the rising star’s family has supported him throughout his career. A victory on February 24th will change his life. “Society won’t accept until you become a success. Until I signed this fight [with the PFL], I was a nobody.”

How does Rao support himself when pursuing such a challenging dream?

Unfortunately, MMA is a sport where typically only the top fighters earn life-changing money. Rao has opted to follow a simple lifestyle and is a personal trainer to one client. This funds his food and rent and allows him to practice daily.

Mentally, he maintains a zen mindset through the meditation he practices through Hinduism. He follows Sanātana Dharma, a massive part of self-realization and personal growth. “If you do enough meditation per day, you feel that ecstasy 24/7.”

What impact does Indian UFC star Anshul Jubli have on Rao?

Rao’s peers have a massive influence on him, but not in a traditional way. Anshul Jubli and Puja Tomar are the only current fighters in the UFC representing India. “More than an inspiration, it burns me inside,” Rao remarked. “It’s more of a competition than an inspiration.”

This message comes from a positive mindset, as Rao simply wants to improve alongside his fellow countrymen and countrywomen. He crossed paths with Jubli at a fighting event last year and admitted the star was very humble as they shared a smile.

Where does Rao realistically see Indian MMA going?

Rao is competitive and wants India to always “be top in all aspects,” including cricket. Regarding MMA, he believes India has the “population, but [they] don’t have resources.”

However, with some government funding and proper planning, Rao is optimistic. He believes a logical goal in the next 5 years would be to have a few more Indian fighters in top promotions.

How should India do it? “Never take inspiration,” suggested Rao. “Always take the challenge.”

What team is behind “The Badger?”

Behind Rao’s career is a group of fantastic people. It starts with his manager, Rahul Chhabra, who presents fight opportunities and advises him on improving his preparation. Rao will also train at Koi Combat Academy under Vishal Siegal to prepare for his fight next month. He is hugely grateful to Janasena Party, who are helping with training camp expenses. Additionally, he has the good wishes of the Redwoods Project behind him.

Hang tight, India. The future is here! Check out Edukondal Rao on the “PFL vs. Bellator: Champs” on February 24th. The event will be on ESPN+ pay-per-view, but Rao’s fight will be accessible on the preliminary card for free and on YouTube in many countries.