Nepali mixed martial arts is experiencing an unprecedented regional surge. While local combat sports fans eagerly await star fighter Rabindra Dhant’s high-stakes return at Road to UFC, three rising prospects are taking centre stage across India over the next fortnight, showcasing the expanding footprint of Nepali fighters in the regional combat scene.

The regional campaign kicks off in South India at Legacy Fighting Championship (LFC)-2, held at the Katedan Sports Complex in Hyderabad. Representing Nepal in high-stakes semi-pro bouts, Gokul Khadka and Asbeen Chhetri are scheduled to square off against Indian contenders Thushar and Adil Hussain, respectively.

The main action commences at 6pm Indian Time (6:15pm Nepali time) on Saturday.

Recognising the power of crowd energy on foreign turf, both Khadka and Chhetri have issued a passionate rallying call to the sizeable Nepali diaspora residing in and near Hyderabad, urging fans to turn out at the venue in full force and lend their support.

Khadka and Chhetri have travelled together for the same promotions in India before as well.

Khadka had defeated Roshan Jameeruddin by submission, and Chhetri knocked out Indresh Uniyal at Elite Contender Series-II in Kolkata in June. Khadka had also defeated Navneet Singh Brijwal at ECS-I in March as well.

A week following the Hyderabad card, the spotlight shifts thousands of kilometres northeast to Arunachal Pradesh for Aturto 4.2—Flyweight Grand Prix, hosted at the Artisan Cum Handicrafts Exhibition Centre in Chimpu, Itanagar.

Making his highly anticipated professional debut on the card is Rahul Hamal Thakuri, known inside the cage as “The Mechanic” and “The Bad Boy”.

Thakuri faces a trial by fire against India’s Darren Kharshandy. Holding a 1-2 professional record, Kharshandy brings valuable cage experience to the bout and will be looking to derail the Nepali debutant’s momentum.

“This is my first pro debut fight at Aturto,” Thakuri said in a video message on July 15 while signing the contract. “I am coming to fight. See you on August 22.”

These regional outings represent a vital bridge for Nepal’s blossoming combat sports ecosystem. The grit and experience gained by Khadka, Chhetri and Thakuri on the Indian circuit provide crucial momentum for the nation's fight community just as Dhant prepares for his historic bid on the international stage two weeks later.