Nepali mixed martial artist Rabindra Dhant has captured national and international attention after he won the bantamweight title at the Matrix Fight Night (MFN) in Noida, India, on August 1.

Dhant defeated India’s previously unbeaten champion, Chunnareng Koren, by TKO in the third round, becoming the first Nepali to claim an international MMA title.

No sooner had the news of his victory spread than the congratulatory messages started to pour in from across the country.

President Ramchandra Paudel, Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, former prime ministers, among others, congratulated him on his historic success. Several local municipalities in Bajhang announced cash rewards and honours.

Raised in Bajhang’s Bitthadchir Rural Municipality, Dhant’s journey from manual labour in India to the international fight arena is remarkable. Initially working in Pithoragarh and later in Delhi, he secretly trained in martial arts while employed at a plywood factory. Winning all 15 of his amateur bouts in India, Dhant turned professional, competing in China, Russia, Nepal, India, and Thailand.

Despite offers of Indian citizenship to fight under the Indian flag, he remained determined to represent Nepal, moving to Kathmandu to train under MMA coach Divij Pia Lama, who has since personally funded his training.

With a record of nine wins in ten professional fights, Dhant now sets his sights on the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC).

While he and his coach have received no government support, both believe he can raise Nepal’s profile globally.

Dhant has also taken responsibility for his younger siblings’ education in Kathmandu, balancing family duties with rigorous training. His determination and resilience, supporters say, make him a rare sporting talent from Nepal.