Special Report
The stage is set for what could become the most electrifying rivalry in combat sports—Pakistan vs. India in the UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship).
With Pakistan’s undefeated Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) star Rizwan Ali (9-0) and India’s top fighter Anshul Jubli (7-1) competing in the same weight class, the possibility of this clash transcends sports.
Given the current hiatus in bilateral cricket matches, such a showdown could reignite the competitive spirit between these two historic rivals, capturing global attention and engagement.
A Rivalry Like No Other
The prospect of Pakistan and India clashing on the UFC stage brings immense potential for both nations. For India, it’s a chance to showcase their rising talent in Anshul Jubli, who boasts a professional record of 7-1. For Pakistan, it’s another opportunity to display dominance, especially with Rizwan Ali, whose meteoric rise has made him one of the most talked-about fighters in South Asia.
Rizwan has already made waves, earning the reputation of being “the most wanted guy in India” after knocking out three Indian fighters in just one year. His stunning Karate Combat knockout in Dubai was a highlight-reel moment that cemented his position as a force to be reckoned with. Following this, he secured two knockouts in BRAVE CF events—one in Lahore, which was a cinematic spectacle, and the next in Bahrain, where he retired his Indian opponent. Known for his precision striking and unmatched composure, Rizwan is on a path to becoming the face of Pakistani MMA on the global stage.
Pakistan’s Dominance
Over India in MMA
This rivalry isn’t new—it’s deeply rooted in MMA history. Pakistan has consistently outperformed India in head-to-head matchups. At BRAVE CF 85, Pakistani fighters like Rizwan Ali and Zia Mashwani secured victories over their Indian counterparts, with Mashwani submitting Bharat Khandare in the first round. BRAVE CF 92 culminated in a historic 5-0 clean sweep, with standout performances from fighters such as Babar Ali and Abbas Khan.
At the IMMAF Asian Championship in Lahore, Pakistan continued to reign supreme. Bano Butt secured a decisive victory over her Indian opponent, Khushboo Nishad, adding to Pakistan’s impressive haul of 12 medals. In contrast, India left empty-handed, a stark reminder of Pakistan’s growing dominance in MMA. These achievements are not only about victories—they represent a systematic approach to nurturing talent and providing a platform for athletes to shine.
The Rizwan Ali Phenomenon
Rizwan Ali has quickly become the face of Pakistan’s MMA scene. With an undefeated professional record of 9-0, his performances have captured the imagination of fans both in Pakistan and abroad. Rizwan’s ability to stay calm under pressure and finish fights with explosive knockouts has made him a crowd favorite.
His rivalry with Indian fighters has added another layer to his legacy. With three back-to-back knockouts of Indian opponents in different promotions, Rizwan has become the athlete to watch in this historic rivalry. Now, as he eyes the UFC, his potential clash with Anshul Jubli could be the fight that defines a generation of MMA in South Asia.
Building a Sporting
Economy Through
Strategic Leadership
Pakistan’s dominance in MMA is no coincidence. It is the result of the strategic vision and capable leadership of Omar Ahmed, President of the Pakistan MMA Federation. Under his guidance, the Federation has transformed MMA into a thriving ecosystem, creating opportunities for athletes, hosting world-class events, and forging partnerships with global organizations like BRAVE Combat Federation and IMMAF.
Unlike other sports federations, which often rely heavily on government funding, Omar Ahmed’s approach has turned MMA into a self-sustaining sporting economy. Through meticulous planning, grassroots development, and international collaboration, he has built a framework that not only empowers athletes but also drives economic growth and global recognition for Pakistan. His results-driven methodology offers a blueprint that other sports federations in Pakistan should aspire to follow.
The Success of MMA in Pakistan:
MMA’s rise in Pakistan has been meteoric. It has outperformed traditional sports in growth, engagement, and global recognition. Events like BRAVE CF 92 and the IMMAF Asian Championship have shown the world that Pakistan is more than capable of hosting and excelling in world-class sporting events.
Athletes like Rizwan Ali, Bano Butt, and Ismail Khan are leading a new era of sports in Pakistan, proving that MMA is not just a sport but a movement. With its ability to unite communities, inspire youth, and create economic opportunities, MMA has cemented itself as one of Pakistan’s most promising sports.
As Pakistan prepares to send its top talent to the UFC, the future of MMA looks brighter than ever. With strategic leadership, passionate athletes, and a growing fanbase, Pakistan is poised to become a global powerhouse in mixed martial arts. The world is watching, and Pakistan is ready to deliver.