MMA Star Zia Mashwani 1st Pakistani Fighter To Defeat Indian Opponent On Home Soil; Rizwan Ali Repeats Feat In Lightweight | WATCH

Zia Mashwani became the first Pakistani fighter to beat Indian opponent on home soil before Rizwan Ali exerted further dominance of Pakistani fighters bu beating India's Srikant Sekhar.

Pakistan's MMA star Zia Mashwani defeated India's Bharat Khandare at the BRAVE CF 85 in Lahore.

Source : X/@bravemmaf

Zia Mashwani, the Pakistani MMA fighter, has scripted history. He has achieved an unprecedented feat in the history of Pakistani sports and something that has grabbed many eyeballs because of the rarity of the occasion. It is a known fact that India vs Pakistan is one of the most celebrated sporting rivalries and the tensed political relationship between the two countries only adds to the atmosphere and the pressure that athletes might face when part of this encounter.

However, Zia Mashwani has not let all of that come in the way of his performance. Competing in the Bantamweight division, Mashwani became the first Pakistani MMA fighter to register a win over an Indian opponent on home turf. Mashwani achieved the feat when he knocked out India's Bharat Khandare at the BRAVE CF 85 in Lahore.

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Home hero 👊Zia Mashwani takes the early W via triangle choke 🤯

WHAT A VICTORY!#BRAVECF #MMA #Pakistan pic.twitter.com/9TcbkTJ8k6

— BRAVE Combat Federation (@bravemmaf) August 18, 2024

Mashwani achieved the historic feat by taking early control in the bout. The Pakistani fighter first made Bharat tap out in the first round itself executing a triangle choke to perfection and never let the Indian settle into the contest or counterattack.

Notably, this was the first-ever MMA showdown between India and Pakistan fighters that was held on Pakistani soil and it was the home favourite that Zia Mashwani who had the last laugh. Notably, India's Bharat Khandare was returning to BRAVE CF after seven years and was determined to register a win for India on Pakistani soil but against a determined Zia Mashwani he had to settle for a defeat.

Rizwan Ali Beats Srikant Sekhar In Lightweight Category

Meanwhile, it wasn't the only Pakistani fighter win over an Indian in the event. Rizwan Ali also got the better of Srikant Sekhar in the lightweight category.

Rizwan Ali does it again 🤯In an #indiavspakistan showdown 💥#BRAVECF85 #MMA #Pakistan #BeBrave pic.twitter.com/dSsRqD3TAC

— BRAVE Combat Federation (@bravemmaf) August 18, 2024