Nepal Honors MMA Champion Rabindra Dhant

Nepal’s pride, Rabindra Dhant, known as Bajhang Ko Bagh, has finally received the recognition he deserves. The Nepal government has announced a cash prize of Rs 5 lakh for Dhant, the MFN-17 Bantamweight Champion, and Rs 2 lakh for his dedicated coach, Diwiz Piya Lama. This comes after Dhant’s stunning victory over India’s star MMA fighter, Chungreng Koren, at Matrix Fight Night 17 in Noida, India, on August 2, 2025. His third-round knockout marked a historic moment, making him the first Nepali to claim an international MMA title. The announcement follows heavy criticism the government faces for initially overlooking Dhant’s achievement. Fans and supporters voiced their disappointment, urging officials to honor the 24-year-old fighter from Bajhang, who rose from humble beginnings to global stardom. Dhant’s journey, fueled by grit and determination, has inspired countless Nepalis, and this cash reward is a step toward acknowledging his contribution to the nation’s pride. Better late than never, the government’s gesture has sparked joy among fans. Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli personally congratulated Dhant, calling his win a “moment of glory” for Nepal. The Rs 5 lakh prize for Dhant and Rs 2 lakh for his coach reflect a growing recognition of MMA’s rising popularity in the country. As Nepal’s first MFN champion, Dhant continues to train relentlessly, eyeing bigger platforms like the UFC. This is just the beginning for Bajhang Ko Bagh! With his unbreakable spirit, Dhant is paving the way for Nepali fighters on the global stage, proving that dreams know no boundaries. Nepal celebrates its champion, ready to cheer him on for future victories.    

MP Aryal to Build New Home for Cricketer Rajbanshi

A generous promise lights up hope! Koshi Province MP Amrit Aryal has announced he will build a new house for Nepali national cricketer Lalit Rajbanshi. Aryal visited Rajbanshi’s current home and found it in poor condition, with the cricketer unable to afford necessary repairs. This heartfelt gesture aims to provide a better living space for the sports star who has made the nation proud. During his visit, Aryal shared that one of the six houses allocated to MPs under a public housing program will be dedicated to Rajbanshi. This initiative reflects Aryal’s commitment to supporting local heroes. The new home, estimated to cost between Rs 4 lakh and Rs 5 lakh, will include two rooms, a veranda, and a toilet, ensuring a comfortable and dignified living space for the cricketer. Construction is set to begin soon, with plans to complete the project within this year. This timeline shows Aryal’s dedication to making a swift impact. The new home will not only improve Rajbanshi’s living conditions but also serve as a symbol of gratitude for his contributions to Nepali cricket. The initiative highlights how public figures can uplift those who inspire the nation.

From Fields to Fame: Chungreng Koren’s MMA Journey

From a tiny village in Manipur, where life was a daily struggle, Chungreng Koren rose like a phoenix to become one of India’s top MMA champions. His story isn’t just about punches and kicks; it’s about a boy who carried the weight of his family’s dreams on his shoulders and turned hardship into hope. Born into poverty, Koren’s life was shaped by sacrifice, sweat, and an unbreakable spirit. His journey from toiling in fields to shining in the ring is a testament to what dedication and heart can achieve. Koren’s early life was far from easy. He never knew his father, who passed away before Koren was born, leaving his mother to raise four children alone. In their small village in Manipur, survival was a daily battle. His mother worked tirelessly, earning a meager Rs 240 a day by selling vegetables in the markets of Imphal. As a child, Koren walked for hours alongside her, carrying heavy baskets of produce to sell. The family’s income was barely enough to put food on the table, and luxuries like new clothes or toys were out of the question. Yet, even in these tough times, Koren’s resilience began to shine. He learned the value of hard work early, helping his mother in the fields under the scorching sun. Life demanded more from Koren than most kids his age. To support his family, he took on grueling jobs at construction sites and farms. Every rupee he earned went toward feeding his siblings and keeping the household afloat. Despite the exhaustion, Koren found moments of joy in sports. He discovered martial arts at a local Sports Authority of India center, where his natural talent and determination caught the eye of coaches. Training became his escape, a place where he could dream beyond the struggles of his daily life. But family came first, and Koren often had to pause his training to focus on providing for his loved ones. These sacrifices only fueled his hunger to succeed, planting the seeds for his future in MMA. The road to success was full of obstacles. Koren’s responsibilities at home meant he couldn’t train consistently. Money was tight, and professional training facilities were a distant dream. Yet, he refused to let these challenges define him. In 2016, Koren made a bold decision to return to MMA with full commitment. He trained harder than ever, turning his pain into strength. His mother’s unwavering support gave him the courage to chase his dreams. Every punch he threw in the ring carried the weight of his family’s hopes. Slowly but surely, Koren began to make a name for himself in the Indian MMA scene, proving that talent and grit could overcome even the toughest odds. Koren’s rise in the MMA world wasn’t just about athletic skill; it was about heart. He fought not only for himself but for his mother, his siblings, and every person in his village who dreamed of a better life. Each victory in the ring was a step toward breaking the cycle of poverty that had defined his childhood. His fights became a symbol of hope, showing that no dream is too big, no matter where you come from. Koren’s style in the ring—fearless, focused, and unrelenting—mirrored his approach to life. He didn’t just want to win; he wanted to inspire. And inspire he did, as fans across India began to cheer for the boy from Manipur who refused to stay down. Beyond the ring, Koren’s story resonates because it’s so human. He’s not a superhero with special powers—just a man who worked tirelessly to change his family’s fate. His mother’s sacrifice taught him the value of perseverance, and he carries her lessons into every fight. Today, Koren is more than an MMA champion; he’s a beacon of possibility for young people in Manipur and beyond. His journey shows that hardship doesn’t have to define you—it can shape you into something stronger. Villages like his are now buzzing with kids who want to follow in his footsteps, proving that one person’s success can lift an entire community. Koren’s legacy is still being written. With every fight, he challenges stereotypes about what someone from a small village can achieve. He’s not just fighting opponents in the ring; he’s battling the idea that poverty or a lack of resources can stop you. His story is a reminder that heroes don’t always wear capes—sometimes they wear gloves, carry baskets of vegetables, or swing hammers at construction sites. Koren’s dedication to his craft and his family has made him a role model, not just in Manipur but across India. His victories are a celebration of the human spirit, showing that with enough heart, you can rise above any challenge. The impact of Koren’s journey goes beyond the sport. He’s changing how people see Indian MMA, putting Manipur on the map as a breeding ground for talent. Young athletes now look to him as proof that they don’t need fancy gyms or big cities to succeed—just passion and hard work. Koren’s story is a call to action for anyone facing tough times: keep pushing, keep fighting, keep dreaming. His life shows that the greatest battles are often fought outside the ring, in the quiet moments of sacrifice and determination that no one sees. Chungreng Koren is more than a fighter—he’s a living example of what it means to rise from the humblest beginnings and change the game.

Rabindra Dhant and Diwiz Piya Lama: Nepal's MMA Heroes

From Bajhang to Glory: A Tale of Grit and Guidance In the heart of Nepal, a young man from a remote village dared to dream big. Rabindra Dhant, born in Bajhang, a rugged district in Sudurpaschim Province, has become a symbol of hope and determination for aspiring athletes in Nepal. On August 2, 2025, he etched his name in history by winning the Matrix Fight Night (MFN) 17 Bantamweight Championship in Greater Noida, India, defeating India’s Chungreng Koren with a stunning technical knockout. Behind this victory stands Diwiz Piya Lama, a mentor whose vision and sacrifices transformed Rabindra into a global MMA star. Together, they’ve shown the world that Nepal’s fighters are ready to roar. Rabindra’s journey began in Bitthadchir Rural Municipality, where dreams often take a backseat to survival. Growing up with limited resources and only a Grade 10 education, he left home at 16, following his father and brother to India for work. Life wasn’t easy—carrying rocks, moving electricity poles, and later working as an office boy in New Delhi. But his heart yearned for something greater. One day, while commuting, he spotted a martial arts gym. Despite insecurities about his 5’9” height, Rabindra stepped in, sparking a passion that would change his life forever. Martial arts became his escape, teaching him not just physical strength but mental discipline. In 2019, at just 18, Rabindra made his mark by winning the Amateur National Championship in India. But his Nepali passport limited his opportunities to represent Nepal abroad. Frustrated, he returned to Kathmandu, unsure of his next step. The Covid pandemic forced him back to Nepal, where finding fights was tough. Financial struggles and family pressure pushed him to consider foreign employment, but his love for MMA kept him going. That’s when fate introduced him to Diwiz Piya Lama, a jiu-jitsu coach and founder of Nepal Warriors Championship (NWC). Diwiz saw a spark in Rabindra and decided to mentor him, forever altering his path. Diwiz Piya Lama is no ordinary coach. A seasoned Muay Thai and jiu-jitsu practitioner, he runs Lock N Roll MMA in Kathmandu and founded NWC to nurture Nepal’s MMA talent. Recognizing Rabindra’s potential, Diwiz took a bold step—he funded Rabindra’s training, accommodation, and expenses out of his own pocket. This wasn’t just coaching; it was a belief in a dream. Their sparring sessions revealed Rabindra’s raw talent, and Diwiz’s guidance polished it. From boxing in Satdobato to training at Pump Gym in Jhamsikhel, Lalitpur, Rabindra grew stronger under Diwiz’s watchful eye. Diwiz’s faith gave Rabindra the confidence to push forward. The turning point came when Diwiz’s connections opened doors for Rabindra to train in Thailand. For a month, he honed his skills, preparing for a life-changing opportunity. In 2023, Rabindra made history as the first Nepali to fight in ONE Championship, defeating Russia’s Torepchi Dongak with a tactical approach. He adapted mid-fight, using takedowns to outsmart his opponent, showcasing the skills Diwiz had helped him refine. This victory wasn’t just personal—it was a milestone for Nepal’s MMA scene. Rabindra’s success put Nepal on the global combat sports map, proving that talent knows no borders. Back in Nepal, Rabindra and Diwiz worked to grow the sport through Nepal Warriors Championship. NWC became a platform for local fighters to shine, with Rabindra leading the charge. His fights, including a win against Australia’s Korey Sutcliffe, energized Nepal’s MMA community. Diwiz’s vision for NWC wasn’t just about competition—it was about building a legacy. Rabindra’s victories at NWC, including a rear naked choke submission against Jason Lyngdoh, showed his growth as a fighter. With each win, he carried Nepal’s hopes, proving that dedication could overcome any obstacle. Rabindra’s journey took him to Soma Fight Club in Bali, where he trained with a world-class team. This move, supported by Diwiz, elevated his skills to new heights. By 2025, Rabindra was ready for his biggest challenge yet: the MFN 17 main event. Facing Chungreng Koren, a formidable opponent with a five-fight win streak, Rabindra entered the cage with confidence. His crisp jabs, low kicks, and ground-and-pound attacks overwhelmed Koren, leading to a third-round TKO. As Nepal’s flag waved high, Rabindra dedicated his Bantamweight title to Diwiz, a gesture that spoke volumes about their bond. Diwiz Piya Lama’s role goes beyond coaching. He’s a visionary who took a risk on a young fighter from Bajhang. His personal investment in Rabindra—covering costs, arranging international training, and providing mentorship—shows a commitment rare in sports. Diwiz’s belief in Rabindra’s potential turned a small-town dreamer into a national hero. Today, Rabindra’s 8-1 record, with six knockouts, reflects his skill and Diwiz’s guidance. Their partnership has inspired countless Nepalis, showing that with the right support, anything is possible. Rabindra’s story resonates because it’s more than just MMA. It’s about defying odds, chasing dreams, and the power of mentorship. From Kathmandu’s streets to global cages, he’s carried Nepal’s pride. His family, once skeptical, now celebrates his success. Diwiz’s NWC continues to grow, giving young fighters a platform to shine. Rabindra’s win at MFN 17 isn’t just a personal triumph—it’s a beacon for Nepal’s youth, proving that hard work and belief can break barriers. As Rabindra stood in the cage, championship belt around his waist, he shouted “जय नेपाल!” three times, a roar that echoed across Nepal. His journey, fueled by Diwiz’s unwavering support, is a testament to what passion and partnership can achieve. Nepal’s MMA scene is rising, and with fighters like Rabindra and mentors like Diwiz, the future looks bright. Their story is a call to action for young athletes—dream big, train hard, and find someone who believes in you.  

Rabindra Dhant Claims MFN 17 Bantamweight Title in Epic Victory

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.

Nepal’s Tiger vs. Indian Rhino at MFN 17

Get ready for a cage-rattling showdown! Tomorrow, August 2, 2025, the Shaheed Vijay Singh Pathik Sports Complex in Greater Noida, India, hosts Matrix Fight Night (MFN) 17. The main event pits Nepal’s Rabindra Dhant, nicknamed Bajhang Ko Bagh (Nepal’s Tiger), against India’s Chungreng Koren, known as The Indian Rhino, in a thrilling Bantamweight Championship fight at 135 lbs. Both fighters are in top form, with Koren on a five-fight win streak and Dhant winning his last two bouts. This high-stakes title fight promises fireworks. Rabindra Dhant, with an 8-1 record, boasts six knockouts and trains with Lock N Roll MMA in Nepal. Chungreng Koren, holding a 7-1 record, has six knockouts and represents Manipur, India. Their clash is a battle of skill, power, and national pride, with the MFN Bantamweight title on the line. Fans can expect an explosive showdown as these warriors aim to dominate the cage. Matrix Fight Night, founded in 2019 by Bollywood actor Tiger Shroff and his family, has grown into a leading MMA platform in South Asia. MFN 17 features 13 bouts, including a co-main event for the Strawweight Championship between India’s Sonam Zomba and Russia’s Anna Safeeva. The event will stream live on JioCinema, Disney+ Hotstar, and YouTube, starting at 6:30 PM IST. Don’t miss this epic night of mixed martial arts action!