'I would order chicken tikka masala': MMA star Drew Dober opens up on UFC ambitions and love for Indian food

Published on: Dec 20, 2022 6:48 PM IST

By Neelav Chakravarti

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Drew Dober spoke about his love for Indian food. (Twitter)

MMA star Drew Dober spoke about his ambitions to climb up the UFC lightweight rankings and get his rematch against Islam Makhachev. He also opened up about his love for Indian food.

A highly competitive fighter, Drew Dober is currently one of the biggest MMA stars in the world. Ranked 14th in the UFC lightweight rankings, the 34-year-old recently grabbed a knockout win over Bobby Green at UFC Vegas 66. The way he won his fight really caught the attention of fans and it could be a pivotal moment in his UFC career. Although he was on the receiving end of Green punches in the first half of their fight, Dober kept his composure and threw massive hooks which chased Green's chin. Finally, in the second round, he connected with a left hook that unsettled Green, and then the follow-up punch sent him falling on the mat as the fight was stopped at 2:45 in the second round.

Speaking to Hindustan Times in an exclusive chat organised by Sony Sports, the MMA star opened up about the physical and mental requirements for a fighter. He pointed out that the physical part of the training was the easiest as it only required jiu-jitsu, kickboxing and running, but the main work is mental preparation. "Kickboxing, Jiu-jitsu, running. I am in the gym all day. Mentally, that is more important. I read books. I learn from people and therapists. As much as you practice how to throw a punch, you also have to practice how to think. So I practice mindfulness and being in the moment, being grateful, being happy and positive. It is not easy. You have to constantly practice", he said.

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Currently, Russian ace Islam Makhachev is the world no. 1 in UFC's lightweight rankings and the distance is huge for Dober. Pointing out that fighting Makhachev is 'very tough', Dober stated that he needs to work his way up the rankings and get a rematch. The duo faced each other in 2021 at UFC 259, where Dober lost by submission in round three. "You never know. You can't predict it. I already fought Islam Makhachev once. I know what it is like. Now I have to keep winning and work my way up the rankings so that I eventually get my rematch. He is very tough", he said.

When asked about how he got into MMA, Dober had a very unique answer, unlike other fighters. “I got interested in MMA after watching the movie Bloodsport. I watched it when I was five years old. After that, I loved Power Rangers, and Dragon Ball Z. All these shaped my interest in martial arts. I joined martial arts when I was 12 years old. There is only one way to compete and that is by fighting people. I don't think I have an idol. I don't see myself trying to replicate other people. But my favourite fighter of all time is Mirko Cro Cop”, he said.

Most MMA fighters have a strict diet regime, which mainly revolves around meat and vegetables. But Dober pointed out that he doesn't try to be very strict with his diet and has to cheat meals on Saturday, due to his love for doughnuts. "Before a fight, it is very strict. Otherwise, all year around, when I am training, I try to eat good food. On Saturdays, I give myself cheat food. I like doughnuts. You can't be so strict all the time. You need to have fun", he said.

In a surprising revelation, Dober also revealed his love for Indian food, which is good news for fans in India. He stated that he experimented a lot with Indian food as a teenager and also had a special message for the fans. "I have not but wanted to visit India for so long. I love Indian food and culture. It is so pleasant for me. When I was a teenager, there was an Indian restaurant right next to my job. So I would go there and order chicken tikka masala and I would try other things like korma. One day I came in and asked what you eat. The person said I don't eat that, I cook my own. So I gave him and he would get me every day, whatever he cooked. I fell in love with the food. In school, I was very interested in culinary, and cooking. I just did a lot of research on your spices and the way you cook your food. I would love to come to India and experience it", he said.

"I just love the support and I am open on Instagram. If you want to send me messages, ask anything. I would love to respond", he further added.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Neelav Chakravarti
Neelav Chakravarti has been part of the digital sports team at Hindustan Times since 2022, where he covers a wide range of disciplines, including chess, cricket, football, and Olympic sports. Working in a fast-paced digital newsroom, he regularly handles live blogs, breaking updates, and trending stories, combining speed with clarity to keep readers informed in real time. Chess remains both a professional beat and a personal passion for Neelav, and he closely tracks major international tournaments, player narratives, and emerging talents. He is particularly fascinated by the patience, calculation, and strategic depth the game demands, often exploring the psychological side of competition in his writing. Beyond sports journalism, Neelav has a deep interest in visual storytelling and filmmaking, actively participating in film festivals and engaging with independent cinema. He is especially drawn to films that capture the subtleties of everyday life and human relationships, appreciating storytelling that balances realism with emotional depth. This creative interest complements his approach to sports coverage, where he enjoys highlighting the human stories behind performances and results. A history enthusiast by academic training, Neelav holds a bachelor’s degree in the subject and maintains a sustained interest in ancient and medieval Indian history, particularly in cultural and social transitions across eras. His curiosity about the past often shapes his perspective on contemporary narratives and long-form storytelling. When he isn’t tracking scores or developing storylines, Neelav enjoys spending time over the chessboard, relaxing with his cats, or listening to the Empire podcast by Anita Anand and William Dalrymple. He also enjoys reading long-form sports writing that explores the emotional and cultural layers of sport, while maintaining a quiet routine that balances reading, reflection, and occasional time with friends.Read More

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