Short Biography

The Indian mixed martial artist from Maharashtra is widely recognized as one of the pioneers of women’s MMA in India. Known for her toughness, aggressive fighting style, and determination, Manjit Kolekar made history by becoming one of the first Indian women to compete on major international MMA platforms. Through her performances in organizations such as ONE Championship, she helped pave the way for future generations of Indian female fighters seeking global recognition.

Career Timeline

1990s – Born in Maharashtra, India.

Childhood – Developed an interest in athletics and combat sports while growing up in western India.

Early Career – Began training in martial arts and competed in local and national-level combat sports competitions.

2015–2017 – Transitioned into professional mixed martial arts and quickly emerged as one of India’s leading female fighters.

2018 – Earned opportunities to compete internationally against experienced opposition.

2019 – Signed with ONE Championship and became one of the first Indian female fighters to compete on a major global MMA stage.

2020–2022 – Faced elite international competition and gained valuable experience against world-class athletes.

2023–2025 – Continued representing India internationally while contributing to the growth of women’s MMA.

2026 – Remains one of India’s most respected female MMA veterans and an inspiration for aspiring athletes nationwide.

Fighting Style

Manjit Kolekar possesses a well-rounded mixed martial arts style built around aggressive striking, strong grappling fundamentals, and exceptional determination. She is known for constantly moving forward, applying pressure, and forcing opponents into difficult exchanges.

Her striking is characterized by volume, toughness, and relentless aggression, while her grappling allows her to compete effectively during clinch battles and ground exchanges. Throughout her career, she has continuously evolved her skill set by improving both offensive and defensive aspects of her game.

Her willingness to face experienced international opponents has played a major role in her technical development and competitive growth.

Strengths

One of Manjit Kolekar’s greatest strengths is her resilience. Competing in a sport where opportunities for female fighters in India were once extremely limited, she overcame numerous challenges to reach the international stage.

Inside the cage, she possesses strong conditioning, mental toughness, and a relentless competitive spirit. Her ability to absorb pressure and continue moving forward makes her a difficult opponent for any fighter.

Beyond competition, she has become an important ambassador for women’s mixed martial arts in India, inspiring young athletes to pursue careers in combat sports.

Biography

Manjit Kolekar was born in Maharashtra, India, and developed a passion for sports from an early age. Growing up during a period when women’s mixed martial arts received limited attention in India, she pursued her goals through hard work, determination, and continuous training.

Her journey into professional MMA required significant sacrifices and perseverance. Through local competitions and national events, she steadily built her reputation as one of India’s most talented female fighters.

International recognition arrived when she earned opportunities to compete against elite athletes from around the world. Her performances in ONE Championship helped showcase Indian female talent on a global platform and demonstrated that Indian athletes could successfully compete against established international fighters.

As of 2026, Manjit Kolekar is regarded as one of the pioneers of Indian women’s MMA. Her achievements continue to inspire the next generation of female fighters while contributing to the growth and visibility of the sport throughout India.

Manjit Kolekar endorses several brands such as –

• ONE Championship – Featured athlete on one of Asia’s premier combat sports platforms.
• Combat Sports Equipment Brands – Associated with training gear and martial arts equipment.
• Sports Nutrition Companies – Supports athletic performance and recovery partnerships.
• Women’s Fitness Campaigns – Promotes fitness, strength, and empowerment through sports.
• Indian MMA Development Initiatives – Supports programs aimed at growing women’s MMA participation.

Signature Techniques

Manjit Kolekar is known for her aggressive forward pressure, powerful striking combinations, clinch fighting, and relentless work rate. Her ability to maintain intensity throughout a fight often forces opponents into uncomfortable situations.

She combines striking with effective grappling transitions, allowing her to compete successfully in multiple phases of mixed martial arts. Her toughness and determination remain defining characteristics of her fighting style.

Areas of Refinement

Like many elite competitors, Manjit Kolekar continues refining her overall game through ongoing training and competition. Further development in advanced submission techniques, striking accuracy, and tactical adaptability against diverse fighting styles strengthens her already well-rounded skill set.

Her experience, resilience, and pioneering achievements ensure her place among the most influential female mixed martial artists in Indian MMA history, while continuing to inspire future generations of athletes.