Rabindra Dhant grew up in Bitthadchir, Bajhang, where hard Labor and limited opportunity were part of daily life. After Grade 10 he left for Pithoragarh, India, working manual jobs to cover two meals a day. Moving later to New Delhi, he cleaned offices and served tea while doing karate training each morning. Coaches noted his stamina and urged him toward mixed martial arts (MMA).
Back home, support was scarce and the question he heard most was about earnings, not ambition. An early offer to compete internationally required changing citizenship; he refused, choosing to fight under Nepal’s flag. In 2021, he met jiu-jitsu coach Diwiz Piya Lama in Kathmandu, a turning point that led to two relentless years of training and the launch of the Nepal Warriors Championship, where Dhant headlined. With Lama’s help, he trained at Thailand’s Fairtex Gym, shedding eight kilograms and enduring 4–5 hour sessions in humid heat to raise his level.
International Breakthroughs and Historic Wins
On September 15, 2023, in Bangkok, Dhant defeated Russia’s Torepchi Dongak at ONE Championship, finishing the bout in the third round with a takedown and ground-and-pound. The win announced Nepal’s arrival on a larger MMA stage.
On August 2, 2025, in Greater Noida, India, he faced defending champion Chungreng Koren (7–1, five straight wins) at Matrix Fight Night 17. Controlling the later rounds, Dhant became the first Nepali to win the MFN Bantamweight title. He later said the most powerful moment was hearing “Nepal” echo through the arena, not the belt itself.
National Recognition and a Message for Youth
Returning to Kathmandu, Dhant was received by hundreds of supporters. President Ramchandra Paudel hosted a reception in his Honor, urging the State to secure athletes’ futures with jobs and opportunities within the sports sector and to expand facilities and recognition. The President emphasized that Nepal’s athletes can set records if given chances to compete nationally and internationally.
President Ramchandra Paudel honors Rabindra Dhant after his MMA triumph.
They call him “Bajhang ko Bagh” — the Tiger of Bajhang. “This win isn’t mine alone,” Dhant says with a grin. “It belongs to every Nepali.” He remembers the sweat, the endless drills, and the coaches who kept pushing him when nobody else noticed. The day after returning from his victory abroad, he was back in the gym, showing young fighters how to work with what they’ve got and not give up when it gets hard. Years ago, he was hauling stones in a quiet village; today, he’s shaking hands with the nation’s leaders — living proof that grit beats privilege every time.
