Nepali MMA star Rabindra Dhant has taken a monumental step toward UFC history, overcoming New Zealand’s unbeaten Kasib Murdoch via split decision in Shanghai to secure his spot in the bantamweight final.
🥊 The Semifinal Clash in Shanghai
The high-stakes bantamweight semifinal took place on Friday in Shanghai, China, where Dhant faced one of the toughest challenges of his professional career. Both fighters weighed in precisely at 135.5 pounds.
Kasib Murdoch entered the semifinal holding a flawless professional record of 8–0, possessing elite wrestling, grappling, and boxing credentials. Dhant, stepping in with an impressive momentum and fighting out of Soma Fight Club in Bali, relied on his trademark powerful striking and unyielding resilience to edge out Murdoch in a thrilling battle.
| Fighter Profile | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name & Nickname | रबिन्द्र ढाँट (Rabindra Dhant) | “Bajhang Ko Bagh” |
| Professional MMA Record | 11-1-0 (5 Win Streak) |
| Physical Attributes | Age: 27 | Height: 5’7″ (171 cm) | Reach: 69.0″ (175 cm) |
| Weight Class & Affiliation | Bantamweight (135.5 lbs) | Soma Fight Club (Bali) |
| Origin & Roots | Bajhang, Sudurpashchim Province, Nepal |
🏆 Breaking New Ground for Nepal
Rabindra Dhant continues to etch his name into combat sports history. In August 2025, he became the first Nepali to win a title in a major professional MMA promotion by claiming the Matrix Fight Night (MFN) bantamweight championship over Chungreng Koren at MFN 17.
Transitioning to international platforms in 2026, Dhant made history as the first Nepalese fighter to advance in Road to UFC, defeating Kimbert Alintozon in the quarterfinals of Season 5. With his split-decision victory over Murdoch, he now advances to the bantamweight tournament final, where a prestigious UFC contract hangs in the balance. In the final, Dhant will face Ryo Tajima, who advanced past India’s Chungreng Koren.
🇳🇵 National Recognition Amidst Crisis: Government’s Official Message
While leading the nation’s intensive rescue and relief efforts for the Rasuwa flash flood crisis, the Government of Nepal and Prime Minister officially spotlighted Dhant’s remarkable international achievement in their official Day 3 updates:
“अन्त्यमा, नेपाली MMA खेलाडी रवीन्द्र ढाँटले ‘Road to UFC’ मा जित हासिल गर्दै फाइनलमा प्रवेश गर्नुभएकोमा हार्दिक बधाई तथा शुभकामना व्यक्त गर्दछु। नेपालमा आएको विपद्को अवस्थाबारे अन्तर्राष्ट्रिय समुदायलाई जानकारी गराउनु भएकोमा नेपाल सरकारको तर्फबाट उहाँलाई हार्दिक धन्यवाद। उहाँको सफलता सम्पूर्ण नेपाली खेलप्रेमी तथा राष्ट्रकै लागि गौरवको विषय हो।”
English Translation:
“Finally, I extend my heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to Nepali MMA fighter Rabindra Dhant for securing a victory in ‘Road to UFC’ and advancing to the finals! On behalf of the Government of Nepal, sincere thanks to him for bringing Nepal’s disaster situation to the attention of the international community. His success is a matter of immense pride for all Nepali sports enthusiasts and the entire nation.”
As Rabindra Dhant prepares for the ultimate showdown against Ryo Tajima, the entire nation rallies behind the “Bajhang Ko Bagh” in his quest to secure Nepal’s first-ever official UFC contract.