MMA Prospect Watch: Meet ‘The Punjabi Prince’

Wednesday, May 22, 2024 - 03:30


Mancher Khera walking out at Fury FC 90 | Rich Burmaster

The common goal among most up-and-coming regional (or international) mixed martial arts (MMA) prospects is to one day compete for Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). Other major promotions such as Bellator MMA, Professional Fighter's Leagues, and ONE Championship are not far behind. Literally, countless prospects across the globe are all working toward the same career goal, making it difficult to stand out in the sea of competition. As often as possible, MMAmania.com will highlight a different combat sports prospect to keep your eyes on.

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Mansher Khera

Age: 32
Height: 5'10"
Weight class: Lightweight
Record: 7-0
Gym: Culture Fight Club/Tiger Schulmann's MMA

The definition of prospect is very fluid because of a fighter's age. While 32 is old for some people, it is typically the age at which fighters reach their primes. And for New York's Mansher Khera, he is currently at the top of his game.

Khera was born in America, but grew up in India. He was always a fan of martial arts, doing Taekwondo and wrestling as a child; however, he fell in love with mixed martial arts (MMA) and combat sports when The Ultimate Fighter (TUF) 1 aired. When he moved back to the United States, he dove head-first into Brazilian jiu-jitsu, eventually receiving his black belt under Marcelo Garcia and becoming a world champion.

Rich Burmaster/Fury FC 90
Mansher Khera

Khera made his professional MMA debut on Jan. 21, 2022, at Jorge Masvidal's iKON FC 1, submitting Travis Floyd in the second round (he fought one month prior at Gamebred Fighting Championship 3 — a bareknuckle MMA promotion — and won via first round technical knockout).

Khera has six finishes in his seven fights — all submission wins (four in the first round). There is no doubt that Khera has elite grappling, which will lead him to many more wins moving forward. He is improving his striking tremendously, which would make him a real problem to deal with.

In his last outing at Fury FC 90, he became the first person to finish fellow prospect, Hector Saenz.

Checkout other highlights:

In addition to being a finisher, Khera has another big reason UFC should consider him: He's Indian. Only three Indians have fought in UFC: Arjan Bhullar, Bharat Khandare and Anshul Jubli. With such a gigantic market, it would be silly for the promotion to pass him up.

Indeed, UFC is where Khera belongs.

“I want to be in UFC anyway possible,” Khera told MMAMania.com recently. “I’m going to get to UFC because I believe in myself ... and I believe if I can get into UFC within the next year or two, I’ll crack the Top 15.

“I’m 100 percent sure of my abilities,” Khera added. “This is what I want to dedicate my time to. I’m going to call my manager, and whatever the next step is — whether it is Contender Series or a short-notice fight — I’m ready to go. I’m ready to challenge myself. And I’m ready to take these guys out in the first round.”

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Source: 
https://www.mmamania.com/2024/5/21/24161038/mmamania-coms-prospect-of-the-month-mansher-khera-mma