Pakistan Mixed Martial Arts Federation (PAKMMAF) has once again made history by sending a 10-member national contingent to Europe to compete in the IMMAF World Championships 2025 widely regarded as the Olympics of Combat Sports.
The global event is scheduled to be held in Tbilisi, Georgia, from September 27 to October 2.
This prestigious tournament, featuring over 700 athletes from 60 countries, is the world’s largest amateur MMA event, spotlighting the next generation of global champions.
What makes this campaign truly remarkable is its entirely self-funded nature. In a groundbreaking achievement, every rupee spent on travel, accommodation, training, and participation has been raised through private sponsorships with no government funding involved.
PAKMMAF leveraged its global network, reputation, and credibility to fully finance the delegation ensuring the athletes are supported at every step.
Pakistan’s squad for the IMMAF World Championships 2025 includes seven fighters, two coaches, and a team leader. The athletes representing Pakistan are: Ayan Hussain, Abdul Manan, Sajid Kareem, Shahab Ali, Bano Butt, Marwa Kashani and Ismail.
The team is being coached by Nasir Khan and led by PAKMMAF President Omar Ahmed. Among the athletes, four are reigning Asian champions, bringing serious medal potential to the global stage.
"We’re going to win," Omar Ahmed told reporters.
Speaking at a pre-departure press conference in Lahore Omar expressed confidence in the team’s preparation and ambition:
“Our athletes are not just participating they’re going to win. We’re confident of bringing home four to five gold medals. Competing at this level builds belief, resilience, and the mindset that they belong with the world’s elite.”
He emphasized the broader impact, adding featuring at this level will help grow the sport in the country.
“This is a defining moment for Pakistani MMA. Participation at this level accelerates the sport’s growth and puts Pakistan firmly on the global MMA map.”
The team faced a late setback as Eman Khan, a promising female fighter sponsored by Activit, was hospitalised earlier this week and is unable to compete.
In parallel, Rizwan Ali , also sponsored by Activit, will represent Pakistan in the upcoming BRAVE Combat Federation event in Bahrain, following advanced training in Thailand.
Bano Butt, who recently completed a two-month training camp in Thailand, said: “I have prepared for this moment, and my mission is clear to win gold for Pakistan. I want to inspire more women to embrace MMA for empowerment and self-defence.”
The other fighter Shahab Ali expressed his readiness for the big occasion.
“Representing Pakistan is a dream. I trained intensely for three months. My first fight is against a tough Azerbaijani opponent but I am prepared for war,” Shahab said.
Abdul Manan, an Asian silver medalist, said he will fight for the title.
“I was close last time this time I am aiming for gold. The federation’s support has allowed us to train and focus like never before,” Manan said.
Omar Ahmed also highlighted his federation’s mission-driven approach.
“Since 2022, we have been building MMA from the grassroots without any government funding. This participation in the IMMAF World Championships, an Olympic-level platform in combat sports, is a decisive step toward a stronger MMA future in Pakistan,” Omar said.
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