Published on: August 29, 2026
Indian 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.
