"Rabindra Dhant Crowned MFN 17 Bantamweight Champion in Stunning Knockout Victory!"
On August 2, 2025, Nepali MMA sensation Rabindra "Bajhang Ko Bagh" Dhant made history by capturing the Matrix Fight Night (MFN) 17 Bantamweight Championship in Greater Noida, India. In a high-octane main event, Dhant delivered a spectacular knockout against India’s Chungreng "The Indian Rhino" Koren, electrifying the crowd and cementing his place as Nepal’s newest combat sports icon.
The clash was a true battle of titan, Dhant (8-1, 6 KOs) faced the formidable Koren (7-1), who entered the bout on a five-fight win streak. Fighting for the 135 lbs title at the Shaheed Vijay Singh Pathik Sports Complex, Dhant dominated with relentless aggression and pinpoint striking, sealing his victory with a devastating knockout.
From Humble Beginnings to Championship Glory
Born in Nepal’s remote Bajhang district, Dhant’s journey was anything but easy. With only a Grade 10 education and limited opportunities, he moved to India for work but never abandoned his MMA dreams. Training at Lock N Roll MMA in Nepal and later at Bali’s Soma Fight Club, he sharpened his skills, rising through the ranks of the Nepal Warriors Championship (NWC) to become an inspiration for young fighters.
A Landmark Moment for Nepali MMA
Matrix Fight Night (MFN), founded in 2019 by Bollywood star Tiger Shroff, is South Asia’s premier MMA promotion. MFN 17 featured 13 action-packed bouts, including a Strawweight title fight between India’s Sonam Zomba and Russia’s Anna Safeeva. Yet, it was Dhant’s triumph that stole the spotlight, broadcast globally on JioCinema, Disney+ Hotstar, and YouTube.
More than just a personal milestone, Dhant’s victory symbolizes Nepal’s growing influence in MMA. Once skeptical, his family now celebrates his success with pride. His story, of perseverance against all odds, proves that with determination, even the wildest dreams are possible. As the MFN belt heads to Nepal, Rabindra Dhant stands tall as a national hero, paving the way for the next generation of fighters.
