Rabindra Dhant etched his name into South Asian MMA legacy by clinching the MFN Bantamweight Championship title on August 2, 2025, at Matrix Fight Night 17 (MFN 17) in Greater Noida, India. The victory came after a highly anticipated clash against India’s own Chungreng Koren, also known by his ring name “The Indian Rhino.”
Nepal’s Tiger vs The Indian Rhino
Both Rabindra Dhant and Chungreng Koren entered the fight with identical professional records of 7 wins and 1 loss, setting the stage for an explosive bout. Fans from both Nepal and India poured into the Shaheed Vijay Singh Pathik Sports Complex, with excitement reaching a fever pitch in the final hours before the match.
The atmosphere was electric. A sea of Nepali flags waved from the stands, matched by the Indian tricolour on the other side. But once the cage doors closed, it was all business.
From the opening bell, Dhant displayed exceptional technical striking and distance management. His footwork, honed over years of disciplined training, kept him out of Koren’s dangerous clinch range. He used precise jabs, sharp leg kicks, and rapid counters to keep the pressure on. As rounds progressed, it became clear that Dhant was the more composed, better-conditioned fighter.
Rise of Rabindra Dhant: From Humble Beginnings to Global Recognition
Born and raised in Nepal, Rabindra Dhant’s journey into the world of combat sports wasn’t paved with privilege. Like many fighters from developing regions, he trained with limited resources, often balancing work and fighting just to sustain his dream. But Dhant’s story is one of resilience.
He began his combat career in local circuits and caught attention with his raw striking power and never-back-down attitude. Training out of Lock N Roll MMA, Dhant developed into a well-rounded athlete known for his explosive combinations and rock-solid takedown defense.
His early professional career saw a series of dominant victories in the Brave Combat Federation and other regional events. Despite a temporary setback in 2023 with a loss in ONE Championship.
Dhant bounced back stronger, mentally sharper, and physically more prepared. His subsequent performances turned heads in the South Asian MMA community and eventually earned him the title shot at MFN 17.
Celebration and Regional Impact
The moment Dhant’s hand was raised, the arena erupted. Social media accounts and MMA news outlets quickly dubbed it a “historic night for Nepali MMA”, celebrating Dhant’s national hero status. Photos and videos of his celebrations, draped in the Nepali flag, spread widely across platforms, reinforcing his legacy.
Sports analysts praised his composure, noting how a technical striking game paired with disciplined defense made the difference. Dhant credited rigorous preparation and his team’s support in his post-fight interview, thanking fans in Nepal and beyond.
National Hero and International Champion
Rabindra Dhant’s victory at MFN 17 is more than just a belt it’s a moment in history for Nepal. It marks the first time a Nepali fighter has claimed a major regional title in one of South Asia’s leading MMA promotions.
He has inspired countless youths who now see a future in MMA. He’s shown that discipline, belief, and hard work can push through limitations. And above all, he has carried his nation’s flag with pride, both inside and outside the cage.
