Pakistan is hosting the International Mixed Martial Arts Federation (IMMAF) Asian Championship for the first time, with teams from 23 countries participating in the event taking place in Lahore.
“The inaugural Mixed Martial Arts Asian Championship in Pakistan kicked off today in Lahore,” reported Radio Pakistan on Sunday.
The championship, running from August 18 to 22, features a total of 23 teams from countries including India, Bahrain, Indonesia, Iraq, Iran, Kyrgyzstan, Lebanon, Kuwait, Nepal, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. More than 180 fighters, supported by 120 officials and 120 technical staff, have gathered in Pakistan for the occasion.
Eleven teams are set to compete in the Brave Combat competitions, while twelve will participate in the Asian Championship events, according to Radio Pakistan.
In a notable moment, Pakistani MMA fighter Zia Mashwani secured a knockout victory over his Indian opponent Bharat Khandare at BRAVE CF 85. This marks the first time Indian MMA fighters have participated in an event hosted in Pakistan.