Why UFC 294 is a very special event for India: An Indian fighter is on the brink of superstardom

After an eager wait, the day is finally on the horizon when India will mark its presence on the MMA forefront. This weekend at UFC 294, India's lightweight contention, Anshul Jubli, will set foot in the octagon to potentially initiate a glorious chapter of his MMA career. Jubli will be up against United States' Mike Breeden at the event, that is scheduled to take place in Abu Dhabi.

3 things you need to know

• Anshul Jubli will make his debut at UFC 294
• Jubli will be up against Mike Breeden
• Jubli won the Road to UFC tournament in February to land a contract in MMA's biggest promotion

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Anshul Jubli: The MMA fighter keeping the Indian flag flying high in UFC

Ahead of the fight night, Anshul Jubli addressed the Indian media and in a brief session that lasted for more than 15 minutes he elaborated all the queries and cut out a confident figure. Among the prominent publications, Republicworld.com was also there and we sought to know whether the big man was feeling nervous before the pay-per-view day.

Anshul vehemently said that he is not feeling nervous before the fight and has full trust in his preparation.

"No nervousness. Not till now. Maybe before the fight. Jitters always make their way in before the fight. I don't know why maybe because you are heading in for a combat battle. But as of this point, I am not feeling nervous, there is no pressure, and I am training well. I have been spending a good time in training. Yesterday, I had my last strength and conditioning session. The day before that, I had my last sparring. So, there is no pressure of any kind, I have full confidence in my preparation. There were spells of adversity but I have dealt with everything aptly. I am going in with a lot of confidence and I am going for a finish."

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Anshul Jubli expects huge support from fans at UFC 294

On being asked whether anybody from the family will be present at the Etihad Arena on his big day, the fighter said while the family would watch the fight from a distance, he deems all the supporters as his family.

"Nobody is coming from home, but I have received a tremendous amount of messages from people, saying they will be present in the arena to watch the fight. So, for me everyone is family. No matter how many supporters, who are showcasing love they are all family. So in a way, a huge family will be there supporting me in the arena."

Watch the LIVE coverage of UFC 294: Islam Makhachev vs. Alexander Volkanovski on 21st October 2023 on Sports Ten 1, Sony Sports Ten 3 (Hindi) & Sony Sports Ten 4 (Tamil & Telugu) channels at 11:30 pm IST. Anshul Jubli’s debut bout against Mike Breeden at UFC 294 is likely to begin at 7:30 pm IST.