Rabindra Dhant was born and raised in Bajhang, a remote place in Sudurpaschim. From a young age, he wanted to be recognized and was driven by a strong desire to make a name for himself. Although his formal education ended after 10th grade, Dhant’s aspirations reached far beyond the classroom. He eventually made a pivotal decision to move to India in search of job opportunities, hoping to create a better life for himself.
While working in India, he noticed a Martial Arts (MA) gym on his daily commute. He was immediately drawn to it, and the idea of pursuing martial arts struck him deeply. “ I was self-conscious about my height but I was determined,” he says. Dhant began learning more about martial arts and its various benefits, gradually realizing that it was not just about being physically strong but also about being mentally disciplined.
Soon, he decided to take part in a competition. In 2019, at just 18 years old, he competed and won in the MMA amateur National Championship in India. However, his opportunity to represent Nepal internationally was limited due to restrictions around his Nepali passport in India.
But he remained committed to his passion. He made the bold decision to pursue professional MMA, but found that opportunities were limited in India. After participating in three professional fights, he began to face pressure from his family who were unsure about his future in the sport. Despite their concerns, he chose to follow his dream.
He returned to Kathmandu and tried various avenues, including consulting for a visa, but found no clear path. Struggling financially and lacking economic support, Dhant felt torn between continuing his fighting career and securing a steady job. Nevertheless, he remained determined to keep pursuing his passion for MMA.
Upon his return to Kathmandu, he continued his search for a suitable gym for regular training and practice. He used to practise boxing in Satdobato, Latitpur. He connected with friends who practiced karate and was introduced to Pump Gym in Jhamsikhel, Lalitpur. Eventually, he met Diwiz Piya, a seasoned Muay Thai and Jiu Jitsu practitioner, who allowed Dhant to join the training sessions and participate in ground game competitions at Lock and Roll, a boxing gym in Patan, Lalitpur.
Dhant’s persistence paid off when he received an offer to fight in India once again, which he accepted. At this point, the MMA scene in Nepal began to gain momentum, with both striking and ground games becoming more popular. He continued his MMA training, now focused on both the striking and ground game aspects, dedicating himself to improving his skills.
After two years of intense training and competitive fights, Dhant’s story caught Sisan Baniya’s attention, who proposed making a documentary about his journey. The duo traveled to his village and shot footage for the project, but they decided to pause it as they felt the narrative needed to conclude with an international fight. Dhant’s dreams were closer to coming true.
In an unexpected twist of fate, Dhant found himself in Thailand, where he trained for a month. Thanks to his coach, Piya’s connections, he got a chance to fight in the One Championship League. He won the match. He then returned to Nepal but lost his next fight. He has also fought a Russian fighter in his first fight in One Championship with a technical knockout, marking the first time ever a Nepali has fought and won at that level.
Recalling his first experience, he shares that he initially competed in jiu-jitsu, where his nerves got the best of him. “I was so nervous that my legs felt heavy. As I climbed the stairs, the sound of my steps echoed loudly,” he says. “I didn’t even realize when I entered the cage.” However, in his first MMA fight, he learned to control his emotions. “I figured it out and managed to walk confidently onto the cage. I did my best in my MMA fight later,” he adds.
Dhant remained focused and trained rigorously, organizing the Nepal Warriors Championship (NWC) in Nepal with an Australian opponent, which he won. Now, with a strong team in Bali at the Soma Fight Club, Dhant is prepared for the next chapter in his MMA career. He credits the Nepali fighter Yuki Angdembe for his support and sponsorship along the way.
Over time, his family also came to accept and support his passion. Although they initially encouraged him to quit, they eventually saw the value in his dedication after his national victory. Today, his family is proud of his accomplishments and the path he has chosen.
MMA has become more than just a sport for Dhant; it is a passion that fuels him every day. “I used to be so tired after work but it never bothered me when I entered the gym. I was in love with MMA, and it gave me energy,” he says. The financial challenges were daunting, but his love for the sport pushed him.
“At the beginning of my training, everything felt easy as I was highly motivated and eager to push myself. But, as I progressed, the intensity increased, making it much more challenging. Now, I have to train two to three times a day at a high level, constantly analyzing my opponents, keeping up with trends, and preparing for fights,” he says.He adds that at times, it’s tough to push himself, but he has learned to accept the pain as part of the process. Body aches have become normal, he says.
MMA in Nepal is still in its early stages, but it has grown significantly in just two years. Previously, two organizations used to host amateur fights, but they shut down due to a lack of awareness. Back then, no one even knew about NWC, but today, we see more fighters rising and following their passion. NWC is continuously improving, offering players better opportunities, sponsorships, and support, despite some financial challenges.
“Many people are surprised when they learn about the resources and facilities available at NWC. While sports like football and cricket dominate in terms of popularity, MMA is rapidly gaining recognition, and the crowd has developed a strong love for the sport,” says Dhant.
Injuries are inevitable in sport but whether a fight continues after an injury depends on both the player and the doctor. “In small leagues, we have to bear the medical expenses ourselves, but in grand leagues, the company and sponsors take care of it,” he says. However, he emphasized that fighters are more likely to get injured during training than in actual fights.
Having competed in both national and international fights, Dhant notes how the atmosphere changes with the venue. “Here, we fight in a small cage, which is enough for us, but when fighting abroad, it feels different—the bright lights and the huge cage make a big impact.” However, he points out a stark difference in India. “The cages there don’t function properly, and for medical emergencies, they only provide ice cubes and Vaseline. We even have to find a doctor ourselves.”
For those aspiring to follow this path, Dhant emphasizes the importance of patience, hard work, and discipline. “MMA is an expensive sport to pursue,” he admits.
Reflecting on his journey, he shares, “I have learned to speak in front of people and cameras. I have gained discipline and a strong work ethic. Since I always wanted to be recognized from a young age, I’m grateful to have reached a point where people know me and want to learn about me.”
