Slapped Indian fighter for abusing me, talking inappropriately about Pakistan: Shahzaib Rind

Pakistani mixed martial arts (MMA) fighter Shahzaib Rind Tuesday said the brawl with Indian fighter Rana Singh broke out after he abused him and talked inappropriately against Pakistan.

Talking to Geo News morning show ‘Geo Pakistan’, Shahzaib said the Indian fighter talked inappropriately against Pakistan on social media and then used inappropriate words in the press conference ahead of the fight.

“After the press conference, when the Indian fighter abused me and pushed me, then I slapped him to bring him to his senses,” he said explaining why he slapped the opponent before the fight. Video of the slapping went viral on social media.

Shahzaib knocked Singh out instantly after the fight started on April 21 in the 'Karate Combat' in Dubai.

The Pakistani karate fighter apprised that he worked really hard and trained in the United States for the encounter. He said though his opponent had an enviable record but he didn't take any pressure of it.

On his meeting Bollywood superstar Salman Khan, he said Khan had seen few other fights of his. He was over the moon and asked if he knocked everyone out in 20 seconds, he said.

Shahzaib relayed that he had been in martial arts since his childhood, as he started playing as early as at the age of 8.

“I am the first Pakistani to have been incorporated in the American League. I try to promote the culture of Pakistan and Balochistan in the world. I am trying to highlight the positive image of Pakistan,” he said.

To another query, he said after winning the fight, he raised the flag of Pakistan and India which was a message on the behaviour of the Indian fighter that we have the guts to reply aggressiveness with peace.

Shahzaib’s video of carrying India’s flag along Pakistan’s and giving a message of peace and friendship after winning the fight is doing rounds on social media not only in Pakistan but in India as well. 

Full fight:

Shahzaib eyes world title

Talking to media in Quetta, after arriving in Pakistan, Shahzaib on Tuesday said his next target was the world title.

He said he participated in all the fighting contests on his own. It was an honour for him to represent Pakistan and he was extremely happy for that, he said.

He added that he was happy to win the contest against India at Karate Combat 45 recently.