Arjan Bhullar Gets A New Mentor In Pro Wrestling Legend Bret Hart
Arjan “Singh” Bhullar has always been open about his desire to try professional wrestling, and it looks like he’s picked up a famous mentor to help guide him.
The Canadian-Indian MMA superstar is gearing up for a highly anticipated ONE Heavyweight World Title unification bout against interim titleholder Anatoly Malykhin at ONE Friday Fights 22 on June 23, but he also found the time to catch up with pro wrestling icon Bret “The Hitman” Hart.
Ahead of his massive Asia primetime battle at Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok later this week, Bhullar switched roles and interviewed the 65-year-old Canadian legend – one of his sporting idols.
Among other questions in their lengthy conversation, the reigning heavyweight MMA king asked Hart for advice on his matchup with Malykhin – and about a potential transition to professional wrestling.
“Singh” told Hart:
“I’m gonna be honest, I’m a big fan. In my [ONE Championship] contract I’m allowed to pro wrestle, and I want to pro wrestle. So this is actually quite personal for me. I want to get some insight from you on the best way to make that transition.”
Of course, “The Hitman” is one of the most experienced and celebrated athletes in the history of his sport, and he was happy to offer some tips:
“It’s up for grabs these days, what really is a great wrestler and what style you want to go for. There are so many ways you can make it in wrestling. You can be a high-spot guy. You can be a technical wrestler. You can be a real wrestler. It just depends on what you’re looking for, and what you’re comfortable with.”
The two men quickly formed a strong connection, in part due to their similar upbringings.
Like his idol, Bhullar grew up with a wrestling father who led the way and even met “The Hitman’s” dad and famed wrestling pioneer, Stu Hart.
After sharing those personal anecdotes, “Singh” came right out and asked whether he could reach out for support when he eventually takes the leap into professional wrestling – and Hart graciously accepted:
“I will certainly do my best to give you the best advice. I’d be happy to sit down with you and give you lots of pointers and things I can help you with as we go on, and steer you in the right direction.
“When you’re doing that down that road, you get in touch with me, and we’ll discuss the best route for you to get to where you want to go.”
Hart Offers Bhullar Advice For World Title Fight With Malykhin
While Arjan Bhullar and Bret Hart both started in amateur wrestling, their professional careers went in completely different directions.
After winning a gold medal at the Commonwealth Games, Bhullar turned to professional mixed martial arts. Hart instead decided to go down the pro wrestling route, where he became the self-styled, “Best there is, best there was, and best there ever will be.”
Still, “The Hitman” knows what it’s like to compete under pressure with the eyes of the world watching. And when “Singh” asked for advice ahead of his ONE Heavyweight World Title unification battle with Anatoly Malykhin this Friday, he was simply told to keep doing what he does best.
Hart replied:
“You know the plan. You know the deal. I don’t think any advice I can give you you won’t have already heard. Just follow your heart, follow your instincts, follow your training and everything you’ve been taught and you’ll be fine.”
