Indian MMA is on the rise, and Matrix Fight Night 17 (MFN 17) is going to be a big moment for the sport in South Asia. On August 2, 2025, reigning Bantamweight champion Chungreng Koren aka The Indian Rhino, will be defending his title against Rabindra Dhant from Nepal. This MFN 17 main event is going to be a cracker and could shape the future of the Bantamweight division in Indian MMA. In this detailed Chungreng Koren vs Rabindra Dhant fight analysis, we break down the fighters’ backgrounds, strengths, and strategies, and tell you why you must watch this fight for MFN 17 and Indian MMA.
Matrix Fight Night, founded in 2019 by the Shroff family, has been the driving force behind MMA in India, producing stars like Anshul Jubli and Puja Tomar who have gone on to compete in the UFC. With MFN 17, the promotion continues to showcase top talent, and the Koren vs Dhant fight is going to be the fight of the year. Whether you are an MMA veteran or new to the sport, this blog post has got you covered with a full breakdown of the Bantamweight title fight, along with what makes this fight so interesting.
Fighter Profiles: Chungreng Koren and Rabindra Dhant
Chungreng Koren: The Indian Rhino
Chungreng Koren from Manipur, India, is one of the top MMA fighters in India. With a 7-1 pro record, he is #2 Bantamweight in Asia South and #263 in Asia Pacific. His journey to the MFN Bantamweight title is a story of his grit and skill, having overcome personal struggles like losing his father before he was born and financial struggles where his family used to sell vegetables at local markets to survive.
Koren’s wrestling background is his foundation; he can control the fight on the ground with takedowns and ground and pound. His recent performances, a 4th round TKO win over Mohammad Farhad to win the interim Bantamweight title at MFN 14, and a dominant win over Kantharaj Agasa at MFN 15, show he can finish fights. His nickname, The Indian Rhino, reflects his aggressive and relentless style in the cage.
- Record: 7-1 (Pro MMA)
- Notable Wins: Mohammad Farhad (TKO, MFN 14), Kantharaj Agasa (TKO, MFN 15)
- Strengths: Elite wrestling, ground and pound, physical strength, mental toughness
- Key Moment: Winning the interim Bantamweight title at MFN 14
Rabindra Dhant: Nepal’s Rising Star
Rabindra Dhant 8-1 is a force to be reckoned with in the Southeast Asia MMA scene and ranked #13 in Bantamweight. From Nepal, Dhant has built a reputation as a well-rounded fighter who can take opportunities in the cage. His recent performances against Korey Sutcliffe at NWC FN 3 and at BRAVE CF 93 show he can compete with top-level opponents.
Dhant’s fighting style is well-rounded with striking and grappling. His ground game was on full display against Eqiyuebu at BRAVE CF 93, where he took him down and unloaded with strikes. As an underdog in this MFN 17 main event, Dhant aims to shock the Indian MMA world by beating Koren and bringing the Bantamweight title to Nepal.
- Record: 8-1 (Pro MMA)
- Notable Wins: Korey Sutcliffe (NWC FN 3), Eqiyuebu (BRAVE CF 93)
- Strengths: Versatile, good ground game, resilient, adaptable
- Key Moment: Took down and dominated Eqiyuebu at BRAVE CF 93
Fight Analysis: What to Expect in Chungreng Koren vs Rabindra Dhant Bantamweight Title Fight
Koren’s Game Plan
Chungreng Koren’s path to victory will likely revolve around his wrestling prowess. His ability to take opportunities on the ground has been key to his success. In the MFN 17 main event, expect Koren to:
- Wrestle: Koren will look to close the distance early and use his strength to take takedowns and control the fight on the ground.
- Ground and Pound: Once on the ground, Koren’s ground and pound could be too much for Dhant, as we saw in his TKO wins over Farhad and Agasa.
- Cardio: Koren’s durability and cardio will allow him to push the pace for 5 rounds, which could be huge in a title fight.
- Defensive Striking: While not a striker, Koren’s improved stand-up will help him avoid taking big damage and set up takedowns.
Koren has the experience of being the champion and the familiarity of the MFN cage, but he needs to be careful of Dhant’s versatility and ability to capitalise on mistakes.
Dhant’s Strategy
Rabindra Dhant comes in as the challenger, but his all-around skillset makes him a threat. To beat Koren and win the Bantamweight title, Dhant will likely focus on:
- Striking Versatility: Dhant’s striking can keep Koren at bay, prevent takedowns by keeping distance, and land clean shots.
- Submission Threat: Dhant’s grappling skills, as seen in his BRAVE CF fight, suggest he can look for submissions if the fight goes to the ground.
- Adaptability: Dhant’s ability to adjust mid-fight will be key, especially if Koren dominates early with wrestling.
- Exploiting Mistakes: If Koren overcommits to takedowns or leaves openings, Dhant has the tools to counter with strikes or submissions.
Dhant’s task is to neutralize Koren’s wrestling and capitalize on his strengths. His recent wins show he can handle pressure, but facing a dominant champion like Koren will test his limits.
Key Factors in the Fight
- Wrestling vs. Versatility: Koren’s wrestling will go up against Dhant’s all-around game, so control of the fight (stand up vs. ground) will be key.
- Title Fight Experience: Koren, being a champion, has an edge in handling the pressure of a main event. Dhant is relatively untested in this scenario.
- Home Crowd: Fighting in India, Koren will have the Delhi-NCR crowd behind him, which will boost his morale.
- Five Round Endurance: Both have shown good cardio, but a five-round title fight will expose any weaknesses in their preparation.
Why This Fight Matters for Indian MMA
The MFN 17 main event is more than just a title fight; it’s a moment of reckoning for Indian MMA. Matrix Fight Night has been the backbone of promoting the sport in South Asia, and this fight between Koren and Dhant is the culmination of the region’s growing talent pool. A win for Koren would cement his status as one of India’s top MMA stars and potentially open doors for a shot at bigger promotions like UFC or ONE Championship. For Dhant, a win would be a historic moment for Nepalese MMA, proving that fighters from smaller markets can compete at the highest level.
The fight also showcases the competitive nature of the Bantamweight division in South Asia and Southeast Asia. With other notable fighters like Angad Bisht and Sanjeet Budhwar making noise, the outcome of this fight could shake up the rankings and set the stage for future title contenders. For fans, this is an opportunity to see Indian MMA on a global stage. MFN 17 will stream live on Disney+Hotstar.
Matrix Fight Night 17: Beyond the Main Event
While the Chungreng Koren vs Rabindra Dhant fight headlines MFN 17, the card is full of other great fights that make the event even more exciting. The co-main event is a women’s Strawweight title fight between Sonam Zomba and Russia’s Anna Safeeva, which could be the fight of the future of the division. Other notable bouts:
- Angad Bisht vs. Firdaus Zaripov: Bisht, a Road to UFC veteran, is looking to get back in the Flyweight mix.
- Abdul Azim Badakhshi vs. Mert Ozyildirim: A Featherweight fight with implications for the division.
- Sandeep Kumar Dahiya vs. Solekh Khasanov: A Light Heavyweight fight with raw power.
These fights, along with the main event, make MFN 17 a must-watch for all MMA fans and further solidify Matrix Fight Night as India’s no.1 MMA promotion.
Predictions and Final Thoughts
Predicting the outcome of this main event is tough, as both fighters have some great skills. Chungreng Koren’s wrestling and ground game give him an edge, especially with his experience in big title fights. But Rabindra Dhant’s versatility and hunger to prove himself as a challenger make him a wild card. If Koren can impose his wrestling early and wear Dhant down, he’s likely to win via decision or late TKO. If Dhant can keep the fight standing and land big shots, he could pull off an upset via submission or a well-timed counter.
Ultimately, this fight is a showcase of the grit, heart, and skill that define Indian MMA. Whether you’re rooting for Koren to continue his reign or Dhant to make history for Nepal, the MFN 17 main event is going to be explosive.
Conclusion: Don’t Miss MFN 17 Main Event
The Chungreng Koren vs Rabindra Dhant Bantamweight title fight at Matrix Fight Night 17 is a big event for Indian MMA, with two of the best in the region going head to head for the top spot. With Koren’s wrestling facing off against Dhant’s versatility, this fight has all the ingredients for a main event for the ages. As Matrix Fight Night continues to grow the sport in India, this fight could be a turning point for both the fighters and the promotion.