On August 2, 2025, Nepal’s Rabindra Dhant, known as Bajhang Ko Bagh (Nepal’s Tiger), etched his name in history by winning the Matrix Fight Night (MFN) 17 Bantamweight Championship in Greater Noida, India. In a thrilling main event, Dhant faced India’s Chungreng Koren, nicknamed The Indian Rhino, and delivered a knockout victory that left fans in awe. This triumph marks a monumental moment for Nepali mixed martial arts (MMA), as Dhant brings the prestigious title home.
Rabindra Dhant
Dhant, a 26-year-old fighter from Bajhang, Nepal, showcased incredible skill and heart. With an impressive 8-1 record, including six knockouts, he entered the cage with confidence. His opponent, Koren, was on a five-fight win streak with a 7-1 record, making this a high-stakes battle. The Shaheed Vijay Singh Pathik Sports Complex buzzed with excitement as the two warriors clashed for the 135 lbs title. Dhant’s relentless pressure and precise striking overwhelmed Koren, ending the fight with a decisive knockout.
Born in a remote district of Nepal, Dhant’s journey to the top was not easy. Growing up with limited resources and only a Grade 10 education, he moved to India for work but never gave up on his dream. Training at Lock N Roll MMA in Nepal and later at Bali’s Soma Fight Club, Dhant honed his skills. His dedication paid off as he became a role model for aspiring Nepali fighters. Through platforms like the Nepal Warriors Championship (NWC), he has inspired a new generation to pursue MMA.
Matrix Fight Night, founded in 2019 by Bollywood star Tiger Shroff and his family, is a leading MMA promotion in South Asia. MFN 17 featured 13 exciting bouts, including a co-main event Strawweight title fight between India’s Sonam Zomba and Russia’s Anna Safeeva. Dhant’s victory stole the show, proving Nepal’s growing presence in the sport. The event was streamed live on JioCinema, Disney+ Hotstar, and YouTube, reaching fans worldwide.
This win is more than a personal achievement for Dhant—it’s a symbol of Nepal’s rising potential in MMA. His family, once skeptical of his career choice, now beams with pride. Dhant’s story of grit and determination resonates with many, showing that dreams can come true with hard work. As the championship belt heads to Nepal, Rabindra Dhant stands tall as a national hero, inspiring countless others to chase greatness.
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