Rizwan Ali Eyes Knockout Victory at Pakistan Open MMA Championship

Lahore: Confidence flows effortlessly from Rizwan Ali as he gears up for the cage this Sunday at the Pakistan Open MMA Championship. The undefeated lightweight contender isn’t simply aiming for another win—he is promising a quick and emphatic finish against Egypt’s Adham “Warrior” Mohamed.

“I believe this fight will end in a knockout,” Rizwan told Dawn. His prediction isn’t without weight—coming off two straight knockout victories, the 26-year-old has firmly established himself among Pakistan’s most dangerous mixed martial artists.

Striker vs. Grappler Showdown

Breaking down the matchup, Rizwan acknowledged the clash of styles. His Egyptian opponent enters with a professional record of 11 wins and four losses, known primarily for his grappling ability. Rizwan, however, is confident his sharp striking will set him apart.

“Our styles are completely different. He struggles with striking, while I’m not the strongest wrestler. That’s what will make this fight exciting for the fans,” Rizwan explained.

From Gujar Khan to Global Ambitions

Nicknamed “The Haider”, Rizwan boasts a perfect 9-0 record, but he sees this bout as another step toward a much greater dream—becoming the first Pakistani to compete in the UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship).

“There has never been a Pakistani fighter in the UFC, the world’s biggest MMA stage. My mission is to change that, and I’m working day and night for it,” he said.

Still, Rizwan admitted the obstacles are real. MMA in Pakistan is still developing, and fighters lack world-class coaching.

“We don’t yet have the skill level to compete there,” he said frankly. “Our sport is in its early phase here. Without proper coaches and advanced training systems, it’s very hard to reach UFC standards.”

Call for Sponsorship and Support

Rizwan stressed the need for serious investment to take Pakistani MMA to international heights.

“Big sponsors are crucial. We need resources to train abroad with elite coaches. Without that, fighters like me cannot reach the top,” he stated.

Extra Fire Against Indian Rivals

Adding fuel to his rise, Rizwan has recently claimed three consecutive knockout victories against Indian fighters. Each win carried personal and national significance.

“I had an extra motivation,” Rizwan admitted. “Since we usually lose to India in cricket, I wanted to prove that in MMA, Pakistan can come out on top.”

Discipline Beyond the Cage

Outside the spotlight, Rizwan also highlighted the discipline needed to succeed. From strict dieting to rigorous fitness routines, he explained that nutrition plays a huge role in performance.

“You must eat clean and follow a strict diet plan. If you gain too much weight between fights, cutting down before fight week becomes extremely tough,” he said.

Ready for the Next Chapter

As fight night draws near, Rizwan Ali carries not just his unbeaten streak but also the hopes of an emerging MMA nation. With unshakable self-belief and a knockout prediction on his lips, he stands on the brink of taking another major step toward international recognition.