WATCH: Pakistan MMA Star Zia Mashwani Creates History With First Victory Over Indian Opponent On Home Soil
New Delhi: Pakistani MMA Fighter Zia Mashwani created a sensation in the world of fighting sports due to his historical win over Bharat Khandare of India at BRAVE CF 85 here in Lahore. This victory came in the Bantamweight category, after Mashwani finished off Bharat in the first round by executing a triangle choke. This victory is very crucial, as it marked the first time ever that a Pakistani MMA fighter defeated an Indian fighter on Pakistani ground.
That was history in the making at Pakistani soil—the first-ever MMA showdown between fighters from both countries, Pakistan and India, ended with Zia Mashwani coming out victorious over Bharat Khandare at BRAVE CF 85 in Lahore. Bharat was returning to BRAVE CF after seven years and really looked forward to claiming a win for India in this historic encounter. It was, however, too strong a competition that Mashwani pulled off with a first-round triangle choke to take the top spot in one of the most memorable moments in the history of this sport.
Home hero Zia Mashwani takes the early W via triangle choke
WHAT A VICTORY!#BRAVECF #MMA #Pakistan pic.twitter.com/9TcbkTJ8k6
— BRAVE Combat Federation (@bravemmaf) August 18, 2024
This was complemented by yet another sensational effort by Rizwan Ali, a Pakistani fighter who put India’s Srikant Sekhar out in the Lightweight category.
Rizwan Ali does it again In an #indiavspakistan showdown #BRAVECF85 #MMA #Pakistan #BeBrave pic.twitter.com/dSsRqD3TAC
— BRAVE Combat Federation (@bravemmaf) August 18, 2024
These India-Pakistan clashes took the already storied sports rivalry between the two nations to a different level altogether, making it an absolute spectacle to be watched.
The success of BRAVE CF 85 and impressive wins coming to the way of local fighters are moving Pakistan right up in the MMA arena. Other than putting Pakistani fighters into the limelight, these events are providing the country with a newfound identity in the international MMA scene as an emerging power.