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🇳🇵 Nepal /Sports

Nepal's Rabindra Dhant advances to Road to UFC final, offering solace amid floods

From Kathmandu Post · () English

Translated from English and summarized by DistantNews. Read the original for the full story.

At a glance

News Sources not specified Outcome reported
  • Nepal's MMA fighter Rabindra Dhant defeated New Zealand's Kasib Murdoch by split decision in Shanghai to reach the Road to UFC final.
  • The victory provided a much-needed morale boost for Nepal, which is grappling with devastating flash floods that have claimed over 500 lives.
  • Dhant dedicated his win to the Nepali community, acknowledging the immense mental challenge faced by his camp due to the national tragedy.

Nepal's bantamweight MMA star Rabindra Dhant, known as ‘Bajhang ko Baagh,’ secured a crucial split decision victory against New Zealand’s Kasib ‘Murder’ Murdoch in Shanghai on Friday, advancing him to the Road to UFC final. This win offers a significant morale boost to a nation currently reeling from devastating flash floods.

The floods, as of Friday evening, had claimed over 500 lives with hundreds more missing, creating a backdrop of immense tragedy for the country. Dhant's victory came as a much-needed reprieve, providing a moment of national pride and solace amidst widespread grief and devastation.

The fight itself was a hard-fought contest, with Murdoch proving to be a formidable opponent. While Murdoch demonstrated strong skills in wrestling and grappling, particularly in the first two rounds, Dhant landed significant "Dhantshots" in the third round. These strikes were enough to sway the judges in favor of the Nepali fighter.

It has been an absolute test for us mentally since we initiated the camp. For a month, we had news of losing a legend sometimes. Some other news follows. And just two days before the fight, we have devastating news about what’s happening back.

— Dhant's campDhant's camp described the mental challenges faced due to the ongoing national crisis of devastating floods.

Dhant's camp acknowledged the profound mental toll the national crisis had taken. "It has been an absolute test for us mentally since we initiated the camp," a video from Dhant's camp stated on Friday morning. "For a month, we had news of losing a legend sometimes. Some other news follows. And just two days before the fight, we have devastating news about what’s happening back."

Millions of Nepalis, both at home and abroad, had pinned their hopes on Dhant to bring smiles during this difficult time. His victory was not just a personal achievement but a symbol of resilience and a source of comfort for a nation in mourning. Dhant himself emphasized that the win was for the Nepali community devastated by the floods.

The opponent was so good. But our fighter [Dhant] was better.

— Crowd memberA spectator at Jheer Sekuwa in Kathmandu commented on the tough fight and Dhant's eventual victory.
About this summary

Originally published by Kathmandu Post in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized automatically by DistantNews, with a note on how the source frames the story. Not individually reviewed before publishing. How this works.

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