Rabindra Dhant is a professional MMA fighter from Nepal who has taken the South Asian MMA scene by storm. Born on November 30, 1998, in Bajhang, a remote district in Sudurpaschim Province of Nepal, Dhant has fought his way from poverty and obscurity to becoming one of Nepal’s most promising combat sports athletes.
Rabindra Dhant
At just 26 years old, with a professional record of 8-1-0, he is set to fight in the Main Event of Matrix Fight Night (MFN) 17 on August 2, 2025, in India a milestone not only for him but for Nepalese MMA as a whole.
Early Life in Bajhang: From Rural Roots to Big Dreams
Growing up in Bajhang, Rabindra Dhant’s life was far from easy. He came from humble beginnings and completed his education only up to Grade 10. But despite limited resources, he always harbored a dream to be recognized, to make a name for himself, and to do something extraordinary.
Driven by the hope of a better future, Dhant moved to India for work. It was here, amidst the hustle of daily labor, that he found his true calling Mixed Martial Arts (MMA).
A Life-Changing Discovery: The MMA Journey Begins
While commuting to work in India, Rabindra Dhant noticed a martial arts gym. Fascinated, he decided to join. At first, he was insecure—especially about his height (5’9″) but his desire to improve and find purpose was stronger. Martial arts became not only his passion but also a mental discipline that kept him going through hard times.
In 2019, at just 18 years old, Dhant made his competitive debut, winning the Amateur National Championship in India. However, due to complications related to his Nepali passport, he couldn’t represent Nepal in further events hosted in India.
Returning Home: Struggles and Determination
With limited opportunities in India and mounting pressure from his family, Rabindra returned to Kathmandu, Nepal, unsure of his next step. Financial constraints and the lack of formal MMA support in Nepal added to his challenges.
Still, his passion wouldn’t let him quit.
Rabindra Dhant trained wherever he could boxing in Satdobato, sparring with friends, and finally joining Pump Gym in Jhamsikhel, Lalitpur, where he met Diwiz Piya, a respected Muay Thai and Jiu-Jitsu expert. This connection proved pivotal in shaping his career.
Eventually, he joined Lock N Roll MMA, where he truly began to evolve as a professional fighter.
Climbing the Ranks: From Nepal to Thailand
Rabindra’s story caught the attention of filmmaker Sisan Baniya, who started documenting his journey. But the duo paused production to wait for an international breakthrough.
That moment came when Rabindra Dhant got an opportunity to train in Thailand and later fight in the prestigious ONE Championship League, where he secured a historic victory against a Russian opponent via technical knockout—marking the first-ever win by a Nepali fighter at that level.
He returned to Nepal to continue training and organizing fights like the Nepal Warriors Championship (NWC), which has since become a growing platform for Nepali MMA fighters.
Career Stats at a Glance
Full Name: Rabindra Dhant
Date of Birth: November 30, 1998
Birthplace: Bajhang, Nepal
Fighting Out Of: Kathmandu, Nepal
Height: 5’9″ (175 cm)
Weight Class: Bantamweight
Last Weigh-in: 144.8 lbs
Team: Lock N Roll MMA, Nepal
Pro MMA Record: 8 Wins – 1 Loss – 0 Draw
Current Streak: 2 consecutive wins
Affiliations: Lock N Roll MMA & Soma Fight Club (Bali)
Rank: #230 in Asia Pacific MMA rankings (Bantamweight category)
Matrix Fight Night (MFN) 17 – The Big Stage
August 2, 2025, marks a historic moment in Rabindra’s journey. He is set to headline the Main Event at Matrix Fight Night 17 (MFN 17), India’s top MMA league, operated by Bollywood star Tiger Shroff and his family.
Rabindra Dhant
MFN is recognized for promoting top-tier MMA talent across South Asia, and Dhant’s presence as a Nepali athlete in the main event is a matter of national pride.
He’s currently training with his team in Bali’s Soma Fight Club, preparing to showcase his skills, determination, and Nepal’s rising potential in the world of MMA.
Rabindra’s Thoughts on the Sport
Rabindra Dhant has been open about the mental and physical toll of MMA. He shares:
“In the beginning, everything felt easy. But as I progressed, the training got harder. Now, I train 2-3 times a day, analyze opponents, and push through intense physical pain. But I’ve learned to accept it. This is part of the process.”
He adds:
“MMA gave me energy. Even after long days at work, I never felt tired when it came to training. I fell in love with it.”
His Advice to Aspiring Fighters
For those looking to follow in his footsteps, Rabindra emphasizes:
Discipline
Patience
Hard Work
Mental Strength
He acknowledges the financial difficulties, especially in Nepal, but believes true passion can overcome all odds.
The Rise of MMA in Nepal
Rabindra Dhant has been a key figure in popularizing MMA in Nepal. Through platforms like NWC, he has inspired many young athletes to dream big and take up the sport. While Nepal still lacks the resources available in countries like India or Thailand, the community is growing, and recognition is increasing.
Family and Personal Growth
Initially, Rabindra Dhant’s family was skeptical about his career path. But after his national and international wins, their view changed. Today, they are proud of his achievements and stand behind him as he continues his MMA journey.
He credits his development not just in physical skill but in discipline, communication, and self-confidence. He now speaks at events, appears in front of cameras, and inspires the next generation.
What’s Next for Rabindra Dhant?
Main Event at MFN 17 – August 2, 2025
More international fights on the horizon
Potential entry into UFC or global promotions
Expansion of NWC in Nepal
Rabindra Dhant’s journey is one of grit, vision, and unshakable dedication. From the hills of Bajhang to the international MMA stage, he represents not just himself but the potential of Nepal in the world of combat sports.
As he enters the main event at MFN 17, all eyes will be on him not just from Nepal but from across Asia.
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