Pulwama’s standout mixed martial arts contender, Owais Yaqoob, is gearing up to clash with his adversary from Afghanistan at the much-awaited Matrix Fight Night (MFN) 14, to be held at Noida Indoor Stadium. Set for March 9, 2024, this event boasts a lineup of 12 electrifying bouts, all accessible via Disney+ Hotstar.
Hailing from the tranquil village of Murran in Pulwama, Yaqoob is poised to take on Mohammed Azim Mokhlis, representing Afghanistan. Speaking to Rising Kashmir, Yaqoob expressed his determination, emphasizing the rigorous preparation he’s undergone for this challenge. Competing in the lightweight category, he’s committed to giving his utmost to secure victory, recognizing the pivotal role it plays in advancing his career in the sport.
The main event of MFN14 features India’s Sanjeet Bhudwar facing off against Abdul Azim Badakhshi from Afghanistan in the featherweight category, while Mohammed Farhad squares off against Chungreng Koren in the co-main event under the Bantamweight category.
Yaqoob’s journey to professional MMA began with his debut at MFN in March 2023, following a three-year contract signing in January of the same year. His stellar performance in the Road to MFN Contender Series 2022 earned him international recognition. Notably, Yaqoob holds the distinction of being the first professional MMA athlete from Kashmir to secure a spot at MFN. His accolades include a bronze medal at the World Eskrima Kali Arnis Federation championship in the Philippines in July 2022, alongside an impressive collection of national and UT level medals.
Beyond his personal achievements, Yaqoob’s commitment to nurturing talent is evident through his establishment of Lion’s Den, an academy dedicated to training young enthusiasts in MMA. With aspirations to compete at the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) and represent his country, Yaqoob’s determination remains unwavering.
MFN stands as India’s premier MMA platform, founded by Bollywood actor Tiger Shroff, alongside his mother, Ayesha Shroff, and sister, Krishna Shroff in 2019. Having hosted 13 successful events to date, MFN continues to showcase the prowess of fighters like Yaqoob on the global stage.
From the picturesque landscapes of Pulwama to the international arena, Owais Yaqoob’s journey epitomizes resilience and determination. As he prepares to face his Afghan counterpart, Yaqoob’s resolve to make his community and nation proud underscores the significance of this upcoming bout. Whether triumph or setback, Yaqoob’s story is a testament to the power of perseverance and the unyielding spirit of human endeavor.
