Hunza's Daughter Makes History, Defeats Russian Champion at IMMAF Worlds
LAHORE: Pakistan’s Maliha Ali delivered one of the most electrifying performances of the IMMAF World Championships, defeating Russia’s highly rated Veronika Drozdova in a thrilling contest that showcased exceptional striking, tactical intelligence and commanding cage control.
Drozdova, a Russian national who’s a two time European champion, and one of the country’s most formidable rising MMA stars, arrived in Georgia with a reputation as a future World champion and superstar. Representing one of the world’s strongest MMA nations, she was considered a clear favourite in her weight division.
Russia arrived at the championships with a formidable squad of over 60 athletes, fielding elite competitors across almost every weight category with huge funding from the government and national sponsors like Gazprom. Russia boasts a very established MMA infrastructure, international pedigree and considerable presence in the sport of MMA. Russia remains one of the most powerful forces in international MMA.
But Maliha Ali had other plans.
In a breathtaking contest, Maliha displayed outstanding striking, intelligent movement and exceptional cage control, taking the fight to her highly regarded Russian opponent and delivering one of the standout victories of the championship.
Hailing from Hunza, Gilgit-Baltistan, Maliha and her twin sister Manisha Ali train at BRAVE Gym Lahore, under the guidance and mentorship of Omar Ahmed, President of the Pakistan Mixed Martial Arts Federation, who was personally present in Maliha’s corner throughout the fight.
The twin sisters are rapidly emerging as two of Pakistan’s most exciting sporting prospects, touted to become the next generation of international MMA superstars. Their journey from the mountains of Hunza to the world stage demonstrates the extraordinary potential of Pakistan’s untapped sporting talent.
Maliha’s victory was more than an individual triumph. It was a statement about Pakistan’s growing strength in international MMA and the emergence of a new generation of athletes capable of challenging the world’s most established fighting nations.
The performance also highlighted the success of Pakistan’s structured athlete development pathway, connecting national championships with Asian and World Championships and ultimately the professional MMA stage.
Russia came to Georgia with one of the most formidable squads in the competition. Pakistan answered with a young fighter from Hunza who refused to be intimidated and a coaching staff that brought in a crucial repertoire of knowledge.
For Pakistan, this wasn’t simply another victory. It was a breakthrough performance and a powerful indication that the country’s next generation of global sporting stars is already emerging.
