August 2, 2025, will be etched in the history of mixed martial arts as Nepal’s Rabindra Dhant defeated Chungreng Koren to win the Matrix Fight Night (MFN) 17 Bantamweight Championship title. This electrifying win at the Shaheed Vijay Singh Pathik Sports Complex in Greater Noida, India was a big moment for Nepali MMA and cemented Dhant’s position as a rising star in the sport.
In this post we will go into the details of this fight, Dhant’s journey to becoming the new Bantamweight Champion and what this means for the future of MMA in Nepal. Whether you are an MMA enthusiast or new to the sport, this is a story of hardwork, dedication and national pride you can’t miss.
The Rise of Rabindra Dhant: Nepal’s MMA Sensation
Rabindra Dhant aka Bajhang Ko Bagh (Nepal’s Tiger) is a household name in South Asian MMA. Born on 30th November 1998 in Bajhang district of Nepal, his journey to the top was never easy. Growing up in a resource less region he completed only grade 10 and then moved to India in search of better opportunities. It was there while commuting to work that he found a martial arts gym that would change his life forever.
Dhant’s passion for MMA ignited in 2019 when he won Amateur National Championship in India at the age of 18. Despite facing challenges including problem with his Nepali passport that didn’t allow him to compete in further Indian events he never gave up. His determination led him to train at top gyms like Lock N Roll MMA in Nepal and Soma Fight Club in Bali. With an impressive professional record of 8-1 including 6 knockouts Dhant entered MFN 17 as a contender for Bantamweight title.
Why Rabindra Dhant is Nepal’s Pride
- Humble Beginnings: Hailing from a small village in Bajhang, Dhant’s rise from poverty to international recognition is an inspiration.
- Unyielding Determination: Despite financial constraints and limited MMA infrastructure in Nepal, he pursued his dreams relentlessly.
- Historic Achievements: His victory at ONE Championship against a Russian opponent marked the first win by a Nepali fighter at that level, setting the stage for his MFN 17 triumph.
The Epic Showdown: Rabindra Dhant defeated Chungreng Koren at MFN 17
The main event at Matrix Fight Night 17 was a big one. Rabindra Dhant faced Chungreng Koren, aka The Indian Rhino, for the 135 lbs Bantamweight title. Koren had a 7-1 record and a 5 fight win streak and was known for his wrestling and knockout power. The Shaheed Vijay Singh Pathik Sports Complex was buzzing with fans from Nepal, India and beyond as they tuned in to watch this historic fight.
From the start the tension was high. Koren came forward looking to impose his wrestling style but Dhant was calm and composed, countering with jabs, low kicks and quick combinations. The first two rounds were a back and forth battle with both fighters landing good shots and testing each other’s chin. But it was in the third round that Dhant took control.
The Turning Point: A Devastating Knockout
In a moment that will be etched in MMA history, Dhant went on a strike fest in the 3rd round and overwhelmed Koren with precision and power. A picture perfect combination dropped Koren and Dhant’s ground and pound was relentless, the referee stopped the fight at 54 seconds of the round and declared a technical knockout (TKO). The crowd erupted as Dhant, draped in Nepal’s flag, fell to his knees and shouted “Jai Nepal!” to the roaring crowd.
This win not only made Rabindra Dhant the new Bantamweight Champion but also the first Nepali fighter to win an MFN title. The win was a testament to his skill, heart and preparation as he outclassed a seasoned opponent in front of the world.
Key Highlights of the Fight
- Strategic Brilliance: Dhant’s counters to Koren’s wrestling with strikes was impressive.
- Third-Round Finish: The TKO in Round 3 showed Dhant’s finish and pressure.
- National Pride: The title comes to Nepal, a big moment for Nepal’s MMA scene.
Matrix Fight Night 17: A Night of Explosive Action
Matrix Fight Night, founded in 2019 by Bollywood star Tiger Shroff and his family, is South Asia’s biggest MMA promotion. MFN 17, on August 2, 2025 had 13 fights, top talent from India, Nepal, Russia and more. The event was live streamed on JioCinema, Disney+ Hotstar and YouTube and reached a global audience and solidified MFN’s position as a force to be reckoned with in the sport.
Along with the main event, the co-main event was a Strawweight title fight between India’s Sonam Zomba and Russia’s Anna Safeeva. Other notable bouts were Angad Bisht vs Firdavs Zaripov and Abdul Azim Badakhshi vs Nadyr Aliev.
Why MFN 17 Was a Game-Changer
- Global Reach: The event was live streamed on major platforms so South Asian MMA was seen by the world.
- Star-Studded Lineup: Fighters from multiple countries made MFN 17 a showcase for the region’s growing influence in the sport.
- Historic Wins: Dhant’s win and other great performances made the event a milestone for MMA in South Asia.
The Impact of Rabindra Dhant’s Victory
Rabindra Dhant’s win at MFN 17 is more than just a personal achievement; it’s a moment for Nepali MMA. His journey from a small village in Bajhang to the international stage is inspiring to fans everywhere, proving that if you work hard and believe in yourself you can overcome anything. This has created a sense of pride in Nepal, even the Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli congratulated Dhant on social media calling it a historic moment for the country.
Dhant’s success is also a hope for aspiring MMA fighters in Nepal where the sport is still developing. His involvement in organizing events like Nepal Warriors Championship (NWC) shows his commitment to growing MMA in his own country. As the first Nepali to hold an MFN title Dhant is opening doors for the next generation of fighters to dream big.
What This Means for Nepal’s MMA Scene
- Inspiration for Youth: Dhant’s story will inspire young athletes in Nepal to pursue MMA despite limited resources.
- Global Recognition: He puts Nepal on the map as a rising power in international MMA.
- Growth of the Sport: More interest in MMA will lead to better infrastructure and support for fighters in Nepal.
Rabindra Dhant’s Training and Preparation
Dhant’s journey to the Bantamweight title was built on years of hard work and sacrifice. Training at Lock N Roll MMA in Nepal and Soma Fight Club in Bali, he developed his striking, grappling and mental conditioning. His experience in ONE Championship where he got a historic TKO against a Russian opponent gave him the confidence to take on top level fighters like Koren.
Dhant’s training is a reflection of his dedication. From intense sparring to detailed diet plan, he left no stone unturned in his preparation for MFN 17. His ability to switch between striking and grappling made him a complete fighter in the cage, as seen in his dominant performance against Koren.
Dhant’s Secrets to Success
- Versatility: Being good in both striking and grappling allowed him to counter Koren’s aggressive style.
- Mental Toughness: Dhant’s composure under pressure was the key to the TKO.
- World Class Training: His time in top gyms in Nepal and Bali prepared him for the international stage.