Sports
SFU alumnus Arjan Bhullar becomes MMA heavyweight world champion
Arjan Bhullar wrestles for SFU. Courtesy Arjan Bhullar
Arjan Bhullar with SFU wrestling head coach Justin Abdou. Photo courtesy: Arjan Bhullar
Arjan Bhullar was named NAIA champion in 2009. Courtesy Arjan Bhullar.
SFU's Arjan Bhullar awarded the 2009 NAIA wrestling national champion. Courtesy Arjan Bhullar
A former member of SFU’s storied wrestling program, SFU alumnus Arjan Bhullar has captured the ONE Championship mixed martial arts (MMA) heavyweight world title.
Bhullar, 34, of Richmond, defeated Brandon Vera in a second-round technical knockout in Singapore on May 15, becoming the first fighter of Indian descent to win an MMA world title.
As a member of SFU’s wrestling team, Bhullar was a two-time NAIA champion in 2009 and 2010. In 2010 he was outstanding performer at 2010 NAIA Championships. He was also a CIS (now U-sports) champion in 2009.
Bhullar won gold at the 2010 Commonwealth Games and competed for Canada at the 2012 London Summer Olympics.