Susma Chaudhary and Rajina Bista say they are good friends despite being long-time opponents. They have faced each other twice already, with both winning once. And their rematch is set as the main event of Fusion Fight-Chapter 1 on October 10.

But they did not seem like such good friends when they spoke during Fusion Fight-Chapter 1’s first official press conference in Lalitpur on Thursday.

“The last two fights have gone to the judges’ score. It will not be the case this time. I will knock her out,” said Bista, who is on a high since her second-place finish at the 2026 Amazing Muay Thai World Festival in Thailand in August.  

But Chaudhary is not someone to be overlooked. She won gold at the 6th Kun Khmer World Championship in Cambodia in February.

When the Post asked Chaudhary for a response to Bista’s claim, she replied, “Even foreign fighters have not been able to knock me down. How will she?”

Bista had a final say. “I have knocked out foreign fighters, so let’s not compare. I am coming for the KO,” she added.

Both Chaudhary and Bista are experienced fighters and at the top in their respective weight categories in the combat sport. At 51kg, Chaudhary boasts a professional record of 22 wins and seven losses. Bista, on the other hand, has a pro record of nine wins, four draws and four losses.

Chaudhary defeated Bista in the national tournament in Pokhara in 2024, while Bista won during the WBC National Muay Thai Championship last year.

It is the first event of Fusion Fight, a new Muay Thai promotion. There are 11 fights in the first chapter, with Chaudhary vs Bista headlining the event.

Aside from Bista vs Chaudhary, the card features no other women’s bouts. The men’s roster, however, offers a diverse mix of fighters, ranging from seasoned veterans to rising prospects.

For instance, 13-year-old Puskar Malla will play his sixth professional fight. With five wins and one loss under his belt, Malla is facing 16-year-old Samyok Rai, who is unbeaten in his last five professional bouts.

“We will see in the ring,” Malla and Rai echoed during the press conference, saying they would answer with their kicks and punches.

Similarly, experienced fighter Prashant Tamang, with a pro record of 16-7, is facing Karna Bahadur Magarati (7-3).

Undefeated Bhola Kumar Rai (6-0) will test his might against Pemba Chiri Tamang (15-5).

Allen Thakali, who has a record of 3-2, is fighting a more experienced fighter in Aabram Rai (15-2). Likewise, Moses Kumal (3-2) is going head-to-head against Gautam Thing (6-2).

Dharmendra Ram is another undefeated fighter in the card. Ram, with eight wins and zero losses, is facing Suman Yakha Rai (0-2).

Aashik Koli, who has won both his professional fights so far, faces Jitendra Rai (3-6), while Bishal Lama (5-1) will fight Yoman Moktan (5-3).

Mandip Chettri, with three wins and zero losses, will be looking to extend his unbeaten streak against Kushal Tamang (4-1). Suraj Shahi Thakuri (4-3) will be fighting Sohan Thapa (3-2).

According to the organisers, Fusion Fight has started with the aim of providing a professional platform to Nepali Muay Thai fighters.

The winner of the main event will get Rs100,000, and the loser will take Rs50,000. Similarly, the winners in other professional fights will get Rs50,000, and the losers will get Rs25,000. There is also a cash prize for semi-pro bouts, and there is also a Rs10,000 bonus for a knockout.

The event will take place at the Thamel-based Lord of the Drinks (LOD) and will be broadcast live through Kantipur Max on televisions and via Max Onn on OTT.