Pakistan’s Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) team delivered a standout performance at the 2025 IMMAF World Championships in Georgia, the world’s premier amateur MMA tournament, competing against over 800 athletes from 72 countries and earning international acclaim.
According to details, Pakistani fighters delivered outstanding performances, defeating several world champions.
In the lightweight category, Shahab Ali triumphed over champions from Ukraine, Zambia, and Tajikistan, earning him the title of “Fighter of the Tournament.”
In the strawweight division, Abdul Manan defeated Zambia’s fighter and the current world champion, Aliyor Sovonberdiyev, while in the featherweight category, Ayan Hussain beat Qadirjan Isa of Bulgaria.
Pakistani professional fighter Ismail Khan secured a victory by knocking out his opponent from Azerbaijan in the first round.
Meanwhile, Pakistani female fighter Bano Butt suffered an injury during her match. She sustained a fractured arm and is currently undergoing treatment.
In a significant development, President of the Pakistan Mixed Martial Arts Federation, Umar Ahmed, has been appointed as the South Asia Director on the IMMAF Asia Board.
The Federation’s president said that this recognition reflects the Federation’s ability to guide amateur fighters to professional careers on the global stage.
He added that Pakistan is now being recognized internationally as a rising force in the world of Mixed Martial Arts, despite receiving no direct financial support from the Government of Pakistan.
