‘Indian Rhino’ Chungreng Koren finds his way back with UFC contract within reach

Chungreng Koren thought his UFC dream had slipped away twice.

Now, after rebuilding himself following the loss to Rabindra Dhant and submitting an unbeaten opponent in the Road to UFC quarterfinals, the Manipuri fighter is one win from the tournament final.

But as Koren prepares for Japan’s Ryo Tajima in Shanghai, the opportunity carries a different kind of pressure - he is no longer fighting only for himself, but with the expectations of a country watching.