Rabindra Dhant Makes History by Winning MFN 17 Bantamweight Championship

On August 2, 2025, Nepali mixed martial artist Rabindra Dhant made history by winning the Matrix Fight Night (MFN) 17 Bantamweight Championship in Greater Noida, India. He became the first Nepali to win an MFN title after defeating Indian fighter Chungreng "The Indian Rhino" Koren via technical knockout in the third round.

Dhant entered the fight with an 8-1 professional record. He displayed strong grappling and striking skills throughout the match. He controlled the fight from the beginning and finished it with a powerful ground attack in the third round.

Originally from Bitthadchir Rural Municipality in Bajhang district, Dhant discovered mixed martial arts after moving to India for work following his secondary education. He trained at Lock N Roll MMA in Nepal and Soma Fight Club in Bali to improve his skills.

Before this win, Dhant competed in international events like Brave Combat Federation, Nepal Warriors Championship, and ONE Championship. His only loss was to Ismail Khan in December 2023 at ONE Friday Fights 45.

Dhant’s journey into MMA was challenging. Raised in the isolated Bajhang hills, he dropped out of school after grade 10 in search of employment in India. He continued to train and develop despite the complications of citizenship challenges and less-than-ideal support. It is clear that hard work matters, exemplified by Dhant's INDIVIDUAL success overseas with an historic technical knockout in the ONE Championship League. 

He was also involved with bringing the Nepal Warriors Championship to life and supporting the next generation of MMA fighters in Nepal.He is currently training in Bali and credits the support of his coaches and training partners to find himself in this position.

Dhant said that MMA is demanding in both fifteen minutes of fighting and within every conditioning workout, as it requires both physical and mental strength. However, hard work is easier, being passionate about it is what keeps the motivation. His success at MFN 17 serves as an example for many young athletes in Nepal as he continues to impress upon others that hard work does leads to achievement.