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A coach, a fighter and a shared dream: Inside the partnership of Diwiz Piya and Rabindra Dhant

From Kathmandu Post · (4m ago) English Positive tone

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • The partnership between coach Diwiz Piya and fighter Rabindra Dhant mirrors the rise of mixed martial arts in Nepal.
  • Dhant, a national pride known as 'Bajhang ko Bagh,' is on the brink of entering the UFC, a major global MMA promotion.
  • Their journey from a chance meeting in Kathmandu to international MMA success highlights the growing potential of Nepali athletes in the sport.

The story of Diwiz Piya and Rabindra Dhant is more than just a tale of a coach and fighter; it's a powerful narrative reflecting the burgeoning mixed martial arts scene in Nepal. As reported by The Kathmandu Post, their journey from a serendipitous meeting to the cusp of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) embodies the aspirations of a nation eager to make its mark on the global sports stage.

Rabindra Dhant, affectionately known as ‘Bajhang ko Bagh’ (The Lion of Bajhang), has become a symbol of national pride. His remarkable professional record of 9-1, including becoming the first Nepali to compete in ONE Championship and win the bantamweight title at Matrix Fight Night in India, has captivated the nation. This success is not just personal; it shines a spotlight on Nepal's developing MMA talent and the dedication required to reach elite levels.

I was looking for a gym that taught jiu-jitsu and other forms of mixed martial arts. A friend suggested The Pump. Piya coached at The Pump then. I had a fight in India, and I needed a good coach. I found Piya at The Pump.

— Rabindra DhantDhant recounts how he met his coach Diwiz Piya at The Pump gym in Kathmandu.

Their partnership, forged through Piya's rigorous coaching and Dhant's raw talent and determination, is a testament to the potential within Nepal. Dhant's humble beginnings in Bajhang, where he pursued martial arts after moving to India for work, add another layer to his inspiring story. It underscores the fact that talent can emerge from anywhere, given the right guidance and opportunity.

From a Nepali perspective, Dhant's potential entry into the UFC represents a significant milestone. It signifies that Nepali athletes are not just participating but are capable of competing at the highest echelons of international combat sports. This achievement would undoubtedly inspire a new generation of athletes and further legitimize MMA within Nepal, a sport that has often been overlooked but is now gaining significant traction thanks to pioneers like Piya and Dhant.

When I did a brief sparring session to test him, I told myself that I had found a diamond in the rough.

— Diwiz PiyaPiya describes his initial assessment of Dhant's potential as a fighter.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Kathmandu Post. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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