Team Pakistan heads to Georgia to take on world's best at MMA World Championships
Team Pakistan heads to Georgia to take on world's best at MMA World Championships
LAHORE: More than 1,000 elite MMA fighters from over 70 countries are gathering in Tbilisi, Georgia, for the prestigious IMMAF World Championships, taking place from November 1 to 7.
One of the largest international competitions in mixed martial arts, the championship brings together the world’s top emerging fighters in a major showdown for world titles and international recognition.
Pakistan has sent a formidable seven-member national contingent, representing the country’s diverse sporting talent from Karachi, Lahore, Rawalakot, Poonch and Hunza in Gilgit-Baltistan.
The squad includes Shayan Mehdi (Karachi – Strawweight 52.2kg), Shams Ur Rehman (Karachi – Bantamweight 61.2kg), Syed M Qaim Abass (Lahore – Super Lightweight 74.8kg), Saria Khan (Rawalakot/Poonch – Atomweight 47.6kg), Maliha Ali (Hunza, Gilgit-Baltistan Featherweight 65.8kg), Manisha Ali (Hunza, Gilgit-Baltistan – Lightweight 70.3kg) and Hamood Ali Wajid (Lahore – Junior Super Lightweight 74.8kg).
The geographically diverse team reflects the rapid growth of MMA across Pakistan and the emergence of exceptional talent from every corner of the country.
The IMMAF World Championships represent far more than an opportunity to win medals. They provide a recognised pathway towards the world’s leading professional MMA organisations, including the UFC and BRAVE Combat Federation.
Numerous internationally recognised fighters have progressed through the IMMAF system before establishing successful professional careers, demonstrating how this platform can transform young athletes into global sporting stars.
For Pakistan, the opportunity is significant: developing a generation of fighters capable of winning world titles, securing international contracts and representing the country on the biggest sporting platforms.
The Pakistan MMA Federation has established a clear, merit-based athlete development pathway, beginning with the Pakistan Open Championships, progressing through national trials and elite selection, and culminating in Asian and World Championships.
The ultimate objective is to connect international sporting success with professional careers, creating a sustainable system that identifies talent, develops champions and produces global sporting icons.
This structured approach offers a potential blueprint for other sporting federations in Pakistan, demonstrating how transparent selection, competitive opportunities and long-term athlete development can deliver measurable results and lasting social impact.
Pakistan MMA Federation President Omar Ahmed described the squad as the strongest contingent Pakistan has ever assembled for the World Championships.
“This is the best contingent we have ever sent to the World Championships. We have tremendous confidence in our athletes and expect them to challenge for medals against the world’s finest. Pakistan is no longer simply participating. We are competing amongst the best.”
Ahmed also highlighted the importance of private-sector support in making international participation possible. “I am deeply grateful to all our sponsors and supporters, who have stepped forward to back these young athletes.
Their support is not simply funding a sporting event. It is investing in Pakistan’s future champions, the superstars of tomorrow and a generation that can inspire millions of young Pakistanis.”
He added: “Sport has the power to transform lives, create opportunities and deliver enormous social impact. These young fighters can become role models for an entire generation. Our sponsors are helping make that future possible, and their contribution deserves genuine recognition and appreciation.”
