Gurjeet Bilkhu eyes KO win at Unified 37
Apr 20, 2019
EDMONTON — They call Gurjeet Bilkhu “The King of Singhs,” and he’s back in the Unified MMA cage for the seventh time at Unified 37. Before he takes on top prospect Matt Klute on May 24 at River Cree Resort & Casino, he spoke with Unified MMA’s Ed Kapp.
How did you find MMA to begin with?
I did taekwondo growing up. When I was around 16, one of my sister’s friend’s boyfriends introduced me to UFC 1. I looked at it and I wanted to do it right away. A few years later, when I moved to Edmonton, I found it and I loved it.
Did you fight as an amateur?
No, I was straight to pro … I love how it played out. I had competed in taekwondo since I was about six-and-a-half years old, so I was used to people punching me already. I could just get in the ring and do my thing.
How much do you think your taekwondo has influenced your MMA fighting?
Quite a bit. The movement and footwork I have is pretty heavily from my taekwondo background. It heavily influences my fighting style.
What went wrong in your most recent fight, your submission loss to Behrang Yousefi?
I took a really tough opponent on just two days notice. My ground game wasn’t nearly where it should’ve been for a fight like that. He’s a seasoned fighter who’s very, very good. I wasn’t ready for him.
If you had eight weeks to prepare for that fight, how much different would it play out?
I think it would’ve made a big difference. My game plan would’ve changed a lot, and I think I would’ve been able to implement it a lot better.
Would you do it again?
I’d love to say no, but my stubbornness says I’d probably do it all over again (laughs). It changed me as a fighter; it definitely made me grow.
How excited are you to get back in there?
I’m so excited. I’ve been wanting to get back in for a while and finally I’ve got an opportunity to perform and show what I’ve improved upon.
What’s the most likely outcome for your fight?
I honestly don’t know. I really don’t expect anything; I really just take what I’m given. That said, I’m always looking for a knockout. I’d love to finish this fight with a knockout.
Where would you like to be one year from today?
I’d like a title shot. I’d really like to get my hands on a Unified championship.
