Key Points
- Rizwan “The Haider” Ali, undefeated with a 10-0 record, aims to continue his dominance after a tough win over Egypt’s Adham Mohamed
- The fight could be a career-defining moment, with UFC scouts expected to attend, heightening the stakes for Rizwan
- A victory would propel Rizwan toward his ultimate goal: becoming the first Pakistani in the UFC
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s undefeated Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) sensation, Rizwan “The Haider” Ali, will be the centre of attention this Thursday as he faces India’s Rana Rudra Pratap Singh in a thrilling lightweight battle at the Agenda Arena in Dubai.
The fight, which is part of the preliminary card for the Russian-based Absolute Championship Akhmat (ACA), has the potential to be a career-defining moment for Rizwan, given the stakes involved.
Ali, who boasts an unblemished 10-0 record, is known for his striking precision and dominant performances inside the cage. With several highlight-reel finishes, including three knockouts over Indian opponents last year, Rizwan has quickly established himself as one of the brightest rising stars in MMA. He enters this fight with added determination, looking to build on his hard-fought win over Egypt’s Adham Mohamed in August, a victory that tested his resilience but reinforced his standing as Pakistan’s top MMA prospect.
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Opposing Rizwan will be the 28-year-old Rana Rudra Pratap Singh, a fighter with a 12-2 record, primarily built at bantamweight. However, Singh’s move up to lightweight adds an extra layer of intrigue to the matchup, turning this into a high-risk, high-reward scenario for both fighters. The weight change could either work in Singh’s favour or complicate things, making the contest all the more unpredictable.
“This fight is about more than just maintaining my undefeated record,” Rizwan said ahead of the fight. “It’s about making a statement and setting up the next phase of my career. No Pakistani has ever been in the UFC, and I intend to be the first. This is just the beginning.”
Rizwan’s aspirations stretch far beyond ACA, he’s aiming for the pinnacle of mixed martial arts: the UFC. His ambitions come at a time when Pakistan’s MMA scene is gaining increased recognition, bolstered by recent international successes from fighters like Shahab Ali, Abdul Manan, and Ayyan Hussain in Georgia. These wins have helped raise the profile of Pakistani fighters on the global stage.
UFC scouts are expected to be in attendance at the ACA event, adding extra excitement and pressure to the already high-stakes clash. A victory for Rizwan could catapult him into the UFC, marking a groundbreaking moment in Pakistan’s MMA history and opening the door for future fighters from the region.
For Rizwan, this bout is not just another fight; it’s a pivotal step toward achieving his dream of becoming the first Pakistani UFC fighter. A win would not only preserve his perfect record but also cement his place as one of MMA’s most exciting up-and-coming talents, ready to lead Pakistan’s charge on the international combat sports scene.
