LAHORE – Pakistan’s rising MMA sensation, Rizwan Ali, famously known as “The Haider”, is brimming with confidence as he prepares to step into the cage at the Pakistan Open MMA Championship. The undefeated lightweight, holding a flawless 9-0 professional record, has promised fans an electrifying performance — predicting a knockout victory against his Egyptian opponent, Adham “Warrior” Mohamed.
“I believe this fight won’t go the distance. It will, hopefully, be a knockout finish,” Rizwan said, speaking with unshakable assurance ahead of the highly anticipated bout.
A Battle of Styles
The matchup promises to be a classic striker-versus-grappler showdown. Rizwan, known for his explosive striking, will face Mohamed, a seasoned grappler boasting an 11-4 record and exceptional ground control. But the 26-year-old fighter from Lahore believes his sharp, fast-paced striking will be the key to securing a decisive victory.
“We both have contrasting styles. My opponent struggles in striking, while I have a few gaps in wrestling,” Rizwan explained. “It’s going to be a good fight for the fans.”
Beyond the Fight — A Dream to Enter UFC
For Rizwan, this bout represents more than just another fight. It’s a step toward a bigger dream — becoming the first Pakistani fighter to make it to the UFC, the world’s most prestigious mixed martial arts platform.
“There is no Pakistani in the UFC yet, and I want to be the first. I am working really hard to make that dream a reality,” he said with conviction.
Struggles of MMA in Pakistan
Despite his soaring ambitions, Rizwan candidly acknowledges the struggles MMA athletes face in Pakistan. From the lack of professional coaching to limited infrastructure, the challenges are immense.
“We don’t have the skills to compete at the global level right now. MMA is still in its early stages here, and we don’t have expert coaches to help us reach that level,” Rizwan admitted.
The fighter emphasized the need for financial support and sponsorships, highlighting that international-level training is only possible with proper backing.
“We need big sponsors so we can afford to train with foreign coaches. Without that, there’s no chance to compete globally.”
National Pride Fuels the Fire
Rizwan’s journey to this point has been fueled by discipline, resilience, and a burning sense of national pride. In his last three fights, Rizwan secured knockout wins — two of them against Indian opponents. Those victories, he says, carry a special meaning.
“We often lose to India in cricket, so I just badly wanted to win no matter what it took,” Rizwan said, smiling as he recalled the unforgettable moments.
Training, Diet, and Discipline
Behind his confidence lies a strict training regime. Rizwan follows a meticulously crafted diet and weight management plan, ensuring his performance stays at its peak. From hours of sparring and strength training to maintaining his ideal fight weight, his commitment to the sport is unmatched.
“Discipline is everything in this sport,” he said. “Your diet, your lifestyle, your recovery — it all has to be on point if you want to compete at the highest level.”
The Big Night Ahead
As the city of Lahore gears up for the Pakistan Open MMA Championship, all eyes are on Rizwan. Fans are rallying behind their hometown hero, eager to witness history in the making. Whether the fight ends with the predicted knockout or goes the distance, one thing is certain — Rizwan “The Haider” Ali is writing a new chapter in Pakistan’s MMA story.
This story has been reported by PakTribune. All rights reserved.