Pakistani fighters dominate as MMA Championship returns to Lahore

The event not only celebrated local talent but also brought international attention to Pakistan’s MMA capabilities

LAHORE:

Four Pakistani fighters emerged victorious on the first day of the Brave Combat Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) Asian Championship, held at the DHA Sports Complex in Lahore on Sunday. The successful fighters — Abbas Khan, Zia Mishwani, Ismail Khan and Rizwan Ali — secured wins, while one Pakistani fighter, Aqib Awan, faced defeat. This championship, featuring twelve teams from eleven countries, marks a significant event in the region’s MMA landscape.

The event coincided with the BRAVE Combat Federation’s return with BRAVE CF 85. This highly anticipated event showcased top MMA fighters from Pakistan alongside internationally renowned athletes, highlighting the country's growing prominence in the sport.

The main attraction of BRAVE CF 85 was a Featherweight bout between Rauan Bekbolat and Omar Solomanov. This match was crucial for the division, as the outcome could determine the next title challenger. Solomanov, undefeated in BRAVE CF, sought to cement his position as the top contender, while Bekbolat aimed to break Solomanov's winning streak and make his mark in the global MMA arena.

The co-main event featured a Lightweight contest between Indian MMA veteran Srikant Sekhar and Pakistan's undefeated Rizwan Ali. Another notable bout was the Bantamweight clash between Bharat Khandare of India and Pakistan’s Zia Mashwani. These India-Pakistan matchups continued the historic sporting rivalry between the two nations, adding extra excitement to the event.

Rana Mashhood Ahmad Khan, Chairman of the Youth Programme, attended the opening ceremony of the championship as the chief guest. He commended the revival of the event after a five-year hiatus, attributing it to the efforts of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. Rana Mashhood highlighted the importance of such events in providing positive platforms for the youth and promoting a positive global image of Pakistan.

Umar Ahmed, President of Pakistan MMA, expressed his enthusiasm for hosting the Asian Championship in Pakistan. He noted the country’s rich pool of talent and thanked the government for facilitating international participation by issuing visas to fighters from various countries. Ahmed also expressed hope that these MMA competitions would inspire passion among the youth and contribute to the growth of the sport in Pakistan.

The combination of victories by local fighters, the successful hosting of BRAVE CF 85, and the Brave Combat MMA Asian Championship signifies a major step forward for MMA in Pakistan. These events not only provide an international platform for Pakistani fighters but also position Pakistan as a growing hub in the global MMA community.