MUMBAI, Nov 17: Taluk Hilli from Arunachal Pradesh won the bronze medal in the recently concluded National Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) Championship, which was organised by the All India MMA Federation here in Maharashtra from 15-17 November.
Twenty-two-year-old Hilli, who hails from Irgo village in Shi-Yomi district, also received the ‘best fighter’ award.
Hilli beat Mumbai Tiger in the first bout, and knocked out Telangana Warrior in 15 seconds. However, he lost the gold to Bengaluru Fighter in the final bout.
Hilli is a black belt in Taekwondo and received MMA training under Maria Yabu and Deepak Rai in Bengaluru, Karnataka.
His coach, Deepak Rai, who is also a national gold medallist, said, “Taluk can do much better in the next National Super Fight League, owned by John Abraham.”
“Taluk could keep a relentless pace that is not common for such big guys. While his opponents may be huffing and puffing, he was able to recover between rounds and move like a guy that should be in a lighter weight class,” Rai added.
“I am thankful to the Mixed Martial Arts Federation of Arunachal, led by Vijay Taram and general secretary Deebang Tayeng, and youth leader Kukut Talom for encouraging me, and all credit goes to Meme Maria and my coach,” said Hilli.
