A New Era for Nepali MMA
Kathmandu, May 29 — The anticipation was palpable. For many Nepalis who grew up hearing tales of Gurkha valor, the moment had finally arrived. A man from the remote district of Bajhang had captured the attention of the global MMA community by defeating one opponent after another. His name, Rabindra Dhant, became a household word in Nepal after he knocked out India’s previously unbeaten champion, Chungreng Koren, in August last year. That victory made him the first Nepali to claim an international MMA title.
The song “Dhant Shot” by rapper Vyoma echoed through the nation a month before that historic fight. With lyrics like “Hami baseko ho Gorkhali aama ko kokh” (We were born from Gorkhali mothers’ wombs), it resonated deeply with the spirit of the country.
Dhant’s next challenge came in the form of the Road to UFC debut. The Ultimate Fighting Championship is the most prestigious MMA promotion globally. On Thursday, Dhant faced Kimbert Alintozon from the Philippines at the Galaxy Arena in Macau, China, as part of the ‘Road to UFC-Season 5’. Among the ten fights scheduled that day, Dhant vs. Alintozon stood out as the loudest and most anticipated.
Hundreds of Nepali fans from Hong Kong and Macau traveled to support their compatriot, the most accomplished MMA fighter from Nepal. Suhang Limbu, who took a one-and-a-half-hour bus ride from Hong Kong, described the atmosphere as electric. “Galaxy Arena erupted from the moment Dhant entered the venue,” he said. His wife, Rojina Sampang Rai, shared similar sentiments, calling it a memorable experience to see a Nepali fighter shine on such a grand stage.
Dhant secured a technical knockout in the second round, making him the favorite in the three-round bout. After his win, the arena saw a significant drop in crowd for subsequent matches, as fans left early, satisfied with the performance they witnessed.
The fight between Dhant and Alintozon was intense, with both fighters spending most of the match on the mat, grappling and attempting to ground and pound each other. Despite being on the receiving end of some punches, Dhant remained unfazed, showcasing his resilience and skill.
Commentators and fans alike praised Dhant’s performance, with many referring to him affectionately as “Bajhang ko Baagh” (The tiger from Bajhang). The victory earned him widespread acclaim from various sectors, including the Nepal Police, Minister for Education and Sports Sasmit Pokharel, former cricket captain Paras Khadka, and artists across different fields.
Social media platforms buzzed with reactions and congratulations, highlighting the significance of Dhant’s win. Fans expressed their pride with messages like “Jay Nepal. Jay Hanuman,” which Dhant echoed during his post-fight interview. The response from the crowd was overwhelming, with hundreds chanting “Jay Nepal.”
The impact of Dhant’s victory extended beyond the arena. Organizers of a watch party at Moksh, a restaurant in Lalitpur, noted an unprecedented turnout. Attendees paid Rs500 each, and the proceeds were intended to support the growth of Nepali MMA. The event was filled with excitement, with the hall erupting in cheers every time Dhant landed a punch.
Similar events took place in eateries across the country, where fans gathered to watch the fight. Many watched from home, united in their support for Dhant. When he won with just 23 seconds remaining in the second round, the collective energy was undeniable.
Dhant’s match against Alintozon, who replaced injured Australian Matty Iann, was a quarterfinal in the bantamweight division. Following his victory, he advanced to the semifinals, where he will face Australian Kasib Murdoch. The dates for the semifinals have yet to be announced.
“I have my eyes set on the next match,” Dhant said after the win. Meanwhile, Japan’s Ryo Tajima and India’s Chungreng Koren are competing in the other semifinal. If Dhant defeats Murdoch and Koren defeats Tajima, a highly anticipated rematch between Dhant and Koren could take place. Dhant previously defeated Koren in India, securing the Bantamweight title at Matrix Fight Night-17.
A win in the final would make Dhant the first Nepali to receive an official UFC contract. For many Nepalis proud of the fighting spirit of the Gurkhas, Dhant’s presence on the UFC stage reaffirms a deep-seated belief in the strength and capability of their people.
Limbu, a fan based in Hong Kong, described the experience as unforgettable. “Seeing a large group of happy Nepalis with Nepali flags and dhaka topi was a great experience,” he said. “We are returning to Hong Kong with a smile, and our heads held high.”
