KATHMANDU, Aug 28: Nepali mixed martial arts (MMA) fighter Rabindra Dhant has made history by reaching the final of Road to UFC Season 5.
Dhant advanced to the final after defeating New Zealand fighter Kasib Murdoch in the semifinal of the tournament currently being held in Shanghai, China. He is the first Nepali MMA fighter to reach the Road to UFC final.
Known by the nickname “Bajhangi Bagh,” Dhant will have an opportunity to earn a professional contract with the prestigious UFC if he wins the final.
Rabindra Dhant in action against Philippines’ Kimbert in road t...
Dhant has fought 11 bouts in the bantamweight division, winning 10 and losing just one. His only defeat came against Ismail Khan in 2023. Since then, he has maintained an impressive winning run.
Dhant rose to greater prominence after winning the bantamweight title at Matrix Fight Night 17 in Noida, India, last year. He defeated Indian fighter Chungreng Koren by third-round knockout to claim the title, becoming the first Nepali fighter to win the Matrix Fight Night bantamweight championship.
Dhant also delivered an impressive performance in the quarterfinals of Road to UFC Season 5. In the quarterfinal held in Macau in May, he defeated Filipino fighter Kimbert Alintozon to advance to the semifinals.
With his victory over Murdoch and progression to the final, Dhant has strengthened his chances of making it to the UFC. The final result will now determine whether he earns an opportunity to begin his professional UFC career.
