Rabindra Dhant is a young man from a small village in Nepal. He worked hard and followed his dream to become a professional MMA (mixed martial arts) fighter. Today, he is known all over Nepal as the first person from the country to win a match in ONE Championship, one of the world’s biggest MMA events.
His journey is a story of hard work, sacrifice, and never giving up, even when life was very difficult.
- Full Name: Rabindra Dhant
- Nickname: The Bajhang Tiger
- Born: November 30, 1998
- From: Bajhang, Sudurpashchim Province, Nepal
- Height: About 5 feet 9 inches
- Weight Class: Bantamweight (61 kg / 135 lbs)
- Coach: Diwiz Piya Lama
- Pro MMA Record: 8 wins, 1 loss
- Biggest Win: First Nepali to win in ONE Championship
- Fighting Style: Striking, Muay Thai, and Jiu-Jitsu
Early Life in Bajhang
Born on November 30, 1998, in the remote Bitthadchir rural municipality of Bajhang, Dhant faced challenges early in life. After dropping out after grade 10, he migrated to India like many from his village, taking up labor work, including carrying stones and working as an office helper in New Delhi.
However, his restlessness for more led him to explore martial arts. He began practicing karate in Uttarakhand, and soon his stamina and toughness caught the attention of MMA coaches in India. What started as a way to stay fit soon turned into a life-changing pursuit.
Rise Through the Ranks
In 2019, Dhant entered the Indian National Amateur MMA Championship and won, though he was unable to represent Nepal internationally due to passport issues. Still, this victory affirmed his potential.
Upon returning to Nepal, he struggled to find an MMA community until meeting coach Diwiz Piya Lama at Lock N Roll MMA in Kathmandu. Lama saw Dhant’s potential and gave him both structure and professional training. Under Lama’s guidance, Dhant improved dramatically, combining Muay Thai, jiu-jitsu, and powerful striking into a versatile MMA game.
Professional MMA Career
Rabindra had his first pro fight in May 2019 in India. He won by TKO (technical knockout). He kept winning fight after fight in Indian and Nepali events like Hero Fight Championship, UFL, Goa Combat, and Nepal Warriors Championship.
Most of his wins came by knockouts. He became known for his powerful punches and kicks.
Making History in ONE Championship
On September 15, 2023, Rabindra got a big chance to fight in ONE Championship in Thailand. He fought against a Russian fighter named Torepchi Dongak at ONE Friday Fights 33.
Rabindra won by TKO in the third round. This made him the first Nepali fighter to win in ONE Championship. When he returned to Nepal, many people welcomed him like a hero.
Later, in December 2023, he lost one fight by decision (not by knockout) to a Pakistani fighter, but he continued to train harder.
Fighting in BRAVE CF and MFN
In April 2025, Rabindra fought in BRAVE CF 93 in China. He won again by first-round TKO, showing his strength on another international stage.
Following that international breakthrough, Dhant stepped up again for Matrix Fight Night 17, which took place on August 2, 2025, in Greater Noida, India. He challenged reigning Bantamweight Champion Chungreng “The Indian Rhino” Koren in the main event.
By unleashing a decisive combination of punches in the third round, he knocked out Koren at 0:53 to claim the MFN Bantamweight Championship. This victory made him the first Nepalese ever to capture an MFN title and improved his record to 9–1.
Fighting Style and Personality
Rabindra Dhant is known for his aggressive style. He loves to strike, using fast punches, kicks, and knees. But he has also learned grappling and submissions, making him a complete fighter.
Even with all his success, Rabindra remains humble and respectful. He always thanks his coach, team, and supporters. He speaks openly about how difficult it is to be an MMA fighter in Nepal, where there is little money or support from the government.
Conclusion
Rabindra Dhant’s story is an inspiration for many young people in Nepal. He started with nothing: no money, no passport, and no support. But through hard work, courage, and good mentorship, he became Nepal’s top MMA fighter.
He is now helping to put Nepal on the map in the world of MMA. Many young fighters look up to him, and he hopes to open more doors for others in the future.
As Rabindra says:
“If you have a dream, you must train hard, stay patient, and never give up.
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