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.
