Bollywood superstar Varun Dhawan recently attended UFC 321 in Abu Dhabi, showcasing his deep passion for mixed martial arts (MMA). Known for his vibrant presence on red carpets and film sets, Dhawan’s enthusiasm for the sport offers a fresh perspective on his multifaceted interests. In an exclusive interview with City Times, he delved into the intricacies of MMA, sharing his thoughts on ground-game strategies and the broader significance of the UFC beyond its glamorous facade. Dhawan expressed admiration for Khamzat Chimaev, the reigning champion, stating, “He dominated the entire division. If he could make the weight class below, I think he’d dominate that too.” He also highlighted the potential of Islam Makhachev, expressing interest in a hypothetical match between Makhachev and Chimaev. Reflecting on his personal connection to MMA, Dhawan revealed, “I’m a big fan of the sport. It’s an art that requires immense skill, not just brute force.” He admitted that if he had discovered MMA earlier, he would have pursued training more seriously, possibly participating in tournaments. Dhawan also shared his predictions for the UFC 321 main event, favoring Tom Aspinall over Ciryl Gane, though the match ended in a No Contest due to an accidental eye poke. Looking ahead, Dhawan expressed optimism about India’s future in MMA, noting the country’s strong wrestling and boxing foundations. “India has a great base of wrestling and boxing. Soon, we’ll see more fighters emerging from India,” he said. Dhawan’s insights not only highlight his genuine love for MMA but also underscore the growing potential of the sport in India.