To millions, Ankit Baiyanpuria is the face of the viral 75-day hard challenge. The fitness influencer turned discipline into a movement, caught the attention of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and even joined him for the ‘Swachhata Hi Seva’ campaign. But social media fame is only one part of his story.
Growing up in Bayanpur, Haryana, Ankit watched his parents work as daily-wage labourers. He took up odd jobs himself, including working as a food delivery executive, while chasing his dream of becoming a wrestler.
When that dream came to an end in 2022, Ankit refused to let it define him. Instead, he reinvented himself as a fitness creator, inspiring millions with his simple but relentless routines.
That reinvention gave birth to the viral 75-day hard challenge – a movement built around discipline, consistency and mental fortitude. Its popularity catapulted Ankit into the spotlight and eventually earned him recognition from Prime Minister Modi.
It has already been an extraordinary journey for the 27-year-old. But his biggest chapter may just be beginning.
On August 1, Ankit will step away from the world of social media and into the unforgiving arena of combat sports when he locks horns with UFC lightweight contender Arman Tsarukyan in a grappling contest in Armenia.
Few are giving the Indian much of a chance.
Tsarukyan enters the contest riding a five-fight winning streak in the UFC. One of the division’s leading title contenders, the Armenian has won six fights via submission and is regarded as one of the sport’s elite grapplers.
To many in the Western media, the result already feels like a foregone conclusion.
Ankit, however, isn’t interested in outside noise.
JUST THE BEGINNING
While many may assume Ankit is taking this fight purely for the spotlight, he sees it as the first step in a much bigger journey into combat sports.
Speaking to India Today exclusively ahead of the August 1 contest, Ankit said he accepted the challenge without hesitation.
“They approached me and offered me a grappling match against Arman Tsarukyan. I felt I should challenge myself, so without overthinking it, I accepted the offer,” said Ankit.
For the fitness influencer, this is far from a one-off appearance.
“This may be my first fight, but it definitely won’t be my last. After this, I want to continue moving forward in combat sports with even better preparation,” said Ankit.
Asked about his approach against the vastly more experienced Tsarukyan, Ankit said he isn’t looking for shortcuts or miracle plans.
“I don’t have any special strategy or expectations. I just want to give my best. I know he’s one of the best athletes in this field, there’s no doubt about that. I respect him and I’ll give my 100%,” said Ankit.
AN INFLUENCER CAN BE AN ATHLETE
Across social media and sections of the international MMA community, many have dismissed Ankit as just another influencer stepping into the spotlight. Some Western publications have even described him as the man “known for wearing a thong and working out in a pile of dirt.”
None of it bothers him.
Instead, Ankit wants to challenge the perception that influencers cannot be athletes and hopes his performance speaks louder than preconceived notions.
“Look, people will always have something to say. I just want to say that if a person is determined, they can achieve anything. An influencer is a human being, and so is an athlete.”
“Yes, comparisons will naturally be made with people who have been training for years, and that’s completely fair. But no one should be underestimated just because they’re an influencer. I prefer to let my performance do the talking,” said Ankit.
For him, this fight is about more than just winning. It is about proving that discipline has no fixed profession and that influencers, too, can earn the tag of athlete.
Ankit was honoured with the Best Health and Fitness Creator award at the National Creator Awards by Prime Minister Modi. But defeating one of the UFC’s top contenders would rank among the biggest moments of his life.
“If I win this fight, it will be one of the biggest moments of my life. It will be a very special milestone in my hard work and journey,” said Ankit.
MORE THAN JUST ONE FIGHT
Ankit knows the odds. He understands the gulf in experience. But his ambitions stretch well beyond the result on August 1.
More than anything, he hopes this contest shines a bigger spotlight on combat sports in India and inspires more people to follow the sport.
“I just want to send one message: India has an incredible amount of talent. All we need is the right direction and opportunities. I want combat sports to receive the same kind of attention that cricket does. If even a few people start following combat sports and supporting our athletes because of this match, that would mean a lot to me,” said Ankit.
For the 27-year-old, the bout represents another challenge in a life built on pushing boundaries. Whether he wins or loses, he believes the experience will only make him stronger.
It is the same mindset that carried him from the son of daily-wage labourers in Haryana to one of India’s biggest fitness creators. Now, he hopes it will help him carve out a place in combat sports as well.
“For me, this is a win-win situation. No matter what the result is, I’ll learn from this experience and come back with even better preparation. If everything goes well, that’s great. And even if it doesn’t, I’m not going to stop,” said Ankit.
– Ends
