Hubbry Logo
Matrix Fight NightMatrix Fight NightMain
Open search
Matrix Fight Night
Community hub
Matrix Fight Night
logo
7 pages, 0 posts
0 subscribers
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Matrix Fight Night
Matrix Fight Night
Matrix Fight Night
View on Wikipedia
from Wikipedia

The Matrix Fight Night (MFN) is an Indian professional mixed martial arts (MMA) promotion Company based in Mumbai, Maharashtra. It is owned and operated by Hindi film actor Tiger Shroff, his mother Ayesha Shroff and his sister Krishna Shroff. The promotion was founded in 2019.[2]

Key Information

The Shroff family also owns a chain of MMA gyms called MMA Matrix.[3] Matrix Fight Night has hosted 15 premium fight nights as of March 2024, featuring fighters from both India and other countries. MFN has been instrumental in producing several MMA stars including Anshul Jubli and Puja Tomar, both of them have gone on to sign with the UFC.[4]

History

[edit]

Matrix Fight Night was founded in 2019 by the Shroff family. The shroffs joined forces to establish a premium MMA promotion aimed to improve and shape Mixed Martial Arts in South Asia & Southeast Asia. Matrix Fight Night kickstarted with their debut event (MFN 1) in Mumbai on 12 March 2019. The event was held at the NSCI Dome and featured 7 professional fights.[5]

Anshul Jubli made his professional MMA debut at MFN 2, which was held on 29 June 2019 in New Delhi. Anshul's undefeated streak (5–0) at MFN earned him the opportunity to fight in the lightweight division of Road to UFC Season 1. Anshul won the tournament after beating Jeka Saragih of Indonesia in the finals, thus securing the UFC contract.[6]

MFN expanded globally with MFN 4, choosing Dubai as their international fight capital.[7][8] Three consecutive editions of Matrix Fight Night, from MFN 4 to MFN 6,[9] were hosted in Dubai. Despite the pandemic, MFN managed to organize events with the assistance of the Dubai Sports Council.

MFN 6 (Anshul Vs Mahmoudiyan) had its first foreign fighter at Matrix Fight Night.[10] In late-2022, Matrix Fight Night announced its partnership with the OTT giant Disney+Hotstar.[11] MFN events are streamed live in India on Disney+Hotstar.[12]

Format

[edit]

Matrix Fight Night has two formats: International Fight Night and MFN Contenders. International Fight Night showcases the best talent from India and abroad, while MFN Contenders serves as a feeder event for International Fight Night.[13]

The first MFN Contenders event took place in September 2022 in Hyderabad. The three-day event witnessed over 400 fighters competing in various weight categories to earn the MFN Contract.[14]

Events list

[edit]

MFN has hosted 16 events as of March.[15][16][17] MFN 14, the latest event, took place February 2025 at Siri For Auditorium, New Delhi. Each event features 12 bouts.[18]

# Event Date Venue Location
17 Matrix Fight Night 17 2 August 2025 Shaheed Vijay Singh Pathik Sports Complex Greater Noida, India
16 Matrix Fight Night 16 28 February 2025 Siri Fort Auditorium New Delhi, India
15 Matrix Fight Night 15 31 August 2024 Noida Indoor Stadium Noida, India
14 Matrix Fight Night 14 9 March 2024
13 Matrix Fight Night 13 28 October 2023
12 Matrix Fight Night 12 1 July 2023
11 Matrix Fight Night 11 31 March 2023 Talkatora Stadium New Delhi, India
10 Matrix Fight Night 10 18 November 2022 Palazzo Versace Dubai Dubai, United Arab Emirates
9 Matrix Fight Night 9 24 June 2022 Siri Fort Auditorium New Delhi, India
8 Matrix Fight Night 8 1 April 2022
7 Matrix Fight Night 7 10 December 2021 Falaknuma Palace Hyderabad, India
6 Matrix Fight Night 6: Anshul vs. Mahmoudiyan 24 September 2021 Palazzo Versace Dubai Dubai, United Arab Emirates
5 Matrix Fight Night 5 15 December 2020
4 Matrix Fight Night 4 28 February 2020 Al-Nasr Sports Club
3 Matrix Fight Night 3 20 December 2019 NSCI Dome Mumbai, India
2 Matrix Fight Night 2 29 June 2019 Siri Fort Auditorium New Delhi, India
1 Matrix Fight Night 1 12 March 2019 NSCI Dome Mumbai, India

Current champions

[edit]
Division Upper weight limit Champion Since Title Defenses Sources
Light Heavyweight 205 lb (93 kg) Vacant TBD
Middleweight 185 lb (84 kg) Vacant TBD
Welterweight 170 lb (77 kg) Kyrgyzstan Darkhanbek Ergeshev 31 March 2023 (MFN 11) 1 [19]
Lightweight 155 lb (70 kg) Vacant TBD
Featherweight 145 lb (66 kg) Vacant TBD
Bantamweight 135 lb (61 kg) NepalRabindra Dhant 02 August 2025 (MFN 17) [20]
Flyweight 125 lb (57 kg) Vacant TBD
Women's Strawweight 115 lb (52 kg) IndiaSonam Zomba 02 August 2025 (MFN 17) [21]

Championship history

[edit]

MFN Welterweight Championship

[edit]

77 kg (170 lb)

No. Name Event Date Defenses
Current Kyrgyzstan Darkhanbek Ergeshev
def. Seth Rosario 		MFN 11
New Delhi, India 		March 31, 2023 1. def. Jason Solomon at MFN 13 on October 28, 2023

MFN Featherweight Championship

[edit]

66 kg (145 lb)

No. Name Event Date Defenses
1 India Sanjeet Budhwar
def. Atabek Abdimitalipov 		MFN 10
Dubai, United Arab Emirates 		November 18, 2022 1. def. Shyam Anand at MFN 13 on October 28, 2023[22]
Budhwar was stripped of the title on March 8, 2024 after failing to make weight for his title defense against Abdul Azim Badakhshi at MFN 14.[23]

MFN Bantamweight Championship

[edit]

61 kg (135 lb)

No. Name Event Date Defenses
1 Pakistan Uloomi Karim
def. Dhruv Chaudhary 		MFN 10
Dubai, UAE 		November 18, 2022
Uloomi had to vacate the title due to inactivity
- India Chungreng Koren
def. Mohammad Farhad for interim title 		MFN 14
Noida, India 		March 09, 2024
2 India Chungreng Koren
def. Kantharaj Agasa 		MFN 15
Noida, India 		August 21, 2024
Current Nepal Rabindra Dhant
def. Chungreng Koren 		MFN 17
Greater Noida, India 		August 02, 2025

MFN Flyweight Championship

[edit]

57 kg (125 lb)

No. Name Event Date Defenses
1 India Angad Bisht
def. Mohamed Gamal 		MFN 10
Dubai, United Arab Emirates 		November 18, 2022
Angad vacated the title when he signed with the Road to UFC.

MFN Women's Strawweight Championship

[edit]

52 kg (115 lb)

No. Name Event Date Defenses
1 India Puja Tomar
def. Bi Nguyen 		MFN 10
Dubai, United Arab Emirates 		November 18, 2022 1. def. Anastasia Feofanova at MFN 12 on July 1, 2023[24]
Tomar vacated the title in October 2023 when she signed with the UFC.[25]
Current India Sonam Zomba
def. Anna Safeeva 		MFN 17
Greater Noida, India 		August 02, 2025

Rankings

[edit]

MFN Men's pound for pound Rankings

[edit]
No. Name Record Weight class Representing
1 Sanjeet Budhwar 11-2 Featherweight Haryana
2 Angad Bisht 9-3 Flyweight Uttarakhand
3 Clinton Kenin D'Cruz 6-0 Flyweight Karnataka
4 Shyamanand 5-2 Featherweight Bihar
5 Digamber Rawat 5-0 Lightweight Uttrakhand
6 Pawan Maan Singh 8-3 Light Heavyweight New Delhi
7 Chungreng Koren 6-1 Bantamweight Manipur
8 Rahul Thapa 4-1 Featherweight Haryana
9 Puniyajit Likharu 4-0 Bantamweight Assam
10 Sahil Rana 9-1 Bantamweight Himachal Pradesh
11 Dinesh Naorem 3-0 Flyweight Manipur
12 Darshanbek Ergeshov 11-2 Welterweight Kyrgyzstan

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Matrix Fight Night

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Matrix Fight Night (MFN) is a professional mixed martial arts (MMA) promotion company based in Mumbai, Maharashtra, India, recognized as the country's leading organizer of MMA events. Founded in 2019, it is owned and operated by Bollywood actor Tiger Shroff, his mother Ayesha Shroff, and his sister Krishna Shroff, with a mission to professionalize and popularize MMA within India. The promotion launched its inaugural event, MFN 1, on March 12, 2019, at the NSCI Dome in , featuring seven professional bouts. By 2025, MFN had conducted 17 major fight nights, including international events in locations such as and , showcasing competitions across multiple weight classes, from strawweight to , with both Indian and global talent. These events emphasize high-production values, including and title defenses, contributing to MMA's growth in a market traditionally dominated by other combat sports. MFN has significantly impacted Indian MMA by developing fighters who have advanced to international promotions, most notably strawweight champion Puja Tomar, who competed in multiple MFN bouts before signing with the (UFC) in 2023 and achieving the first UFC win for an Indian woman in 2024. The organization's affiliation with the family's fitness initiatives, including MMA Matrix Gyms, further supports grassroots training and talent , fostering a sustainable ecosystem for the .

Background

Founding and ownership

Matrix Fight Night (MFN) was established in March 2019 by Ayesha Shroff and Krishna Shroff, with significant support from Tiger Shroff, as a dedicated platform to nurture and showcase emerging Indian mixed martial arts (MMA) talent. The promotion emerged from the family's longstanding passion for MMA, aiming to address the limited opportunities available to Indian fighters on the global stage. The initiative was driven by a commitment to professionalize MMA in India, providing structured exposure and development pathways rather than serving as a personal endeavor. Ayesha Shroff has emphasized that "it never was a vanity project for us; the intention was always to give the Indian fighters what they truly deserve," highlighting the focus on empowering athletes who often lack international visibility. This vision is closely tied to the Shroff family's ownership of MMA Matrix, a network of over 20 gyms across India that function as primary training hubs for MFN fighters, integrating martial arts and strength conditioning to build competitive skills. Key figures in MFN's foundation include Ayesha Shroff, who serves as co-founder and producer, leveraging her entertainment background to handle event organization and production. Krishna Shroff acts as co-founder and operations lead, drawing on her personal MMA expertise to prioritize fighter welfare, respect, and mental resilience. contributes as a and promoter, using his public profile to elevate the promotion's visibility while endorsing the family's collective goal of advancing Indian MMA.

Promotion overview

Matrix Fight Night (MFN) is India's premier professional (MMA) promotion, recognized as the home of Indian MMA and the country's largest platform for showcasing elite combat sports talent. It features high-stakes bouts between Indian fighters and international competitors from countries including the , , and the , elevating the global visibility of Indian MMA. Founded by the family, MFN operates under a professional model that prioritizes competitive integrity and athlete welfare. The promotion emphasizes professional fights conducted under unified MMA rules, adhering to international standards for safety and fairness as regulated by bodies like the Fighters First Mixed Martial Arts Federation. Events are primarily hosted in major Indian cities such as , , and , drawing large crowds to venues like the NSCI Dome, , and . This urban focus helps build a nationwide fanbase and fosters the growth of MMA as a mainstream . MFN places a strong emphasis on talent development, organizing annual Contender Searches to scout and nurture emerging fighters through rigorous tryouts and training programs. It partners with established gyms like MMA Matrix to provide structured pathways for athletes, from development to contracts, ensuring a steady pipeline of skilled competitors. As of November 2025, MFN has hosted 17 events, featuring over 166 matches that have produced memorable knockouts, submissions, and title defenses.

History

Inception and early events

Matrix Fight Night (MFN) was founded in 2019 by Ayesha Shroff, Krishna Shroff, and , inspired by their experience attending a live MMA event in 2017, with the aim of establishing a premium MMA promotion in to nurture local talent and elevate the sport's profile. The promotion's debut event, MFN 1, occurred on March 12, 2019, at the NSCI Dome in , showcasing seven professional fights between Indian and international competitors to introduce high-level MMA to Indian audiences. From 2019 to 2021, MFN concentrated on raising awareness of MMA in a country where the sport was largely unknown, organizing a series of events that highlighted emerging Indian fighters and fostered grassroots interest. Key events during this period included MFN 2 in in June 2019, MFN 3 back at the NSCI Dome in December 2019, MFN 4 and MFN 5 in in early 2020 and late 2020 amid the , and MFN 6 and MFN 7 in and Hyderabad in 2021, all emphasizing local talent development and the co-founders' vision for creating opportunities for Indian athletes on a global stage. These foundational events helped build a dedicated fanbase and demonstrated MMA's potential as a legitimate competitive sport in India. The early years presented substantial challenges for MFN, including limited infrastructure for professional MMA events in , widespread cultural unfamiliarity with the sport—often mistaken for scripted entertainment like —and persistent efforts to secure suitable venues and sponsorships on an event-by-event basis in a market dominated by . Even within the founding family, acceptance was gradual, with figures like taking time to appreciate MMA's authenticity as a disciplined . Despite these hurdles, the promotion's persistence in hosting consistent events from 2019 to 2021 marked a key milestone, laying the groundwork for the introduction of inaugural championships around 2020-2021 to formalize divisions and elevate competitive stakes.

Expansion and recent developments

Following its initial years, Matrix Fight Night experienced significant expansion starting in , with an increased frequency of events that reflected growing interest in professional MMA within . By early 2025, the promotion had hosted 16 main events, culminating in MFN 17 on , 2025, at the Shaheed Sports Complex in , . This progression from roughly one or two events annually in the early period to multiple high-profile fight nights per year demonstrated MFN's scaling operations and broader appeal. Key milestones during this phase included the introduction of international fighters, beginning with MFN 6 in September 2021, where Indian lightweight faced Iran's Mohammad Mahmoudian in the main event. Subsequent events featured competitors from various countries, enhancing the competitive level and global visibility. MFN also transitioned to larger venues, such as the expansive Shaheed Sports Complex for MFN 17, accommodating bigger crowds compared to earlier and auditoriums. Additionally, a major media partnership with was announced in late 2022, enabling of events starting with MFN 10 and reaching millions of viewers. In 2025, MFN launched a dedicated contender search on August 24 at the same venue, a three-day initiative aimed at identifying and signing emerging talent to bolster the roster. This growth has profoundly impacted Indian MMA, fostering increased participation among aspiring fighters and inspiring the establishment of more training facilities nationwide. Events have consistently drawn thousands of live attendees, as seen with over 9,000 fans at MFN 12 in 2023, while the promotion's affiliated Matrix gyms provide structured development programs that fund and sustain the league. Recent highlights include MFN 16 on February 28, 2025, at Delhi's , which showcased rising Indian talent, and the landmark MFN 17, solidifying the promotion's position with 17 events completed by late 2025.

Rules and format

Fight regulations

Matrix Fight Night (MFN) adheres to the Unified Rules of for all professional bouts, ensuring a standardized framework that prioritizes fighter safety and fair competition. These rules dictate that non-title fights consist of three five-minute rounds, while championship contests extend to five five-minute rounds, each separated by one-minute rest intervals. Judges score each round on a 10-point must system, emphasizing effective striking (damage inflicted through clean, powerful blows), effective (advancing or controlling position to set up further offense), aggression (consistent forward pressure), and control of the fighting area (maintaining dominant positioning). As of August 2025, updates to the judging criteria clarify that aggressiveness and fighting area control are evaluated based on whichever impacted the round more significantly, with increased emphasis on damage throughout scoring. Legal techniques encompass a broad array of offensive maneuvers, including punches, kicks, knees, elbows, takedowns, throws, and submissions such as chokes, armbars, and joint locks, provided they do not violate foul prohibitions. Since November 1, 2024, 12-to-6 strikes (vertical downward elbows) have been legalized, and a "grounded opponent" is redefined as one with both hands and feet touching the , allowing knees and kicks to the head of opponents whose hands alone touch the ground. Fouls, which include eye gouges, groin strikes, hair pulling, , and strikes to the spine or back of the head, result in warnings, point deductions, or disqualification depending on severity and intent; repeated infractions can lead to immediate termination of the bout. Referees maintain sole authority over bout progression, intervening to stop fights via knockout (loss of consciousness), technical knockout (inability to intelligently defend), verbal or tapping submission, or ringside physician recommendation for injury. MFN events feature exclusively professional fighters, with rigorous pre-event protocols including comprehensive medical examinations and official weigh-ins held the day prior to ensure compliance with health standards and weight requirements.

Weight classes and divisions

Matrix Fight Night (MFN) utilizes multiple weight divisions for its professional bouts, adhering to standard limits derived from the unified rules of MMA. These divisions ensure fair competition by categorizing fighters based on body weight, promoting safety and competitive balance. The promotion primarily focuses on lighter weight classes up to , though occasional bouts in and lighter categories like occur, with championships contested in five divisions. The division is limited to 115 lb (52 kg) or below, occasionally featuring female competitors. Strawweight is set at 115 lb (52 kg) for women, exemplified by title wins at MFN 17. The Flyweight division is limited to 125 lb (57 kg), featuring bouts among the lightest male competitors. fighters compete up to 135 lb (61 kg), as seen in title defenses and undercard matches. The Featherweight class caps at 145 lb (66 kg), hosting high-profile clashes such as the inaugural at MFN 10. bouts are at 155 lb (70 kg), appearing in recent events like MFN 16. bouts are restricted to 170 lb (77 kg), with championships contested in events like MFN 11. is at 185 lb (84 kg), with sporadic bouts as in MFN 16. Fighters must weigh in the day before the event and meet their division's limit exactly, in line with MFN's compliance to unified MMA regulations. Post-weigh-in rehydration is permitted to restore fighters' strength, though it is closely monitored to prevent excessive advantages or health risks. While non-title fights in MFN events may occasionally feature competitors from adjacent divisions or agreements for matchmaking flexibility, all championships are strictly division-specific to maintain title integrity.

Events

Event organization

Matrix Fight Night (MFN) events typically consist of 10 to 13 bouts, structured to showcase a mix of established competitors and emerging talent. The format includes a main card featuring five high-profile fights, often culminating in title bouts, followed by preliminary bouts that highlight up-and-coming fighters from and international circuits. This arrangement allows for a balanced evening of action, with bouts distributed across various weight classes to maintain pacing and viewer engagement. Events are held in indoor arenas across , such as the in and the Shaheed Sports Complex in , providing controlled environments suitable for professional production. Production elements include professional lighting and sound systems to enhance the live atmosphere, with broadcasts streamed live on and for global accessibility. MFN maintains a quarterly scheduling cadence, organizing events approximately every three months to build anticipation and allow for fighter preparation. Preceding major cards, the promotion hosts press conferences and face-to-face weigh-ins to generate hype, as seen in the buildup to MFN 17 in August 2025. In 2025, initiatives like the Contender Search further integrated into the schedule, serving as qualifiers ahead of flagship events. Fighter selection emphasizes merit-based processes, including multi-day tryouts and skills trials to identify promising athletes for the roster. For international participants, logistics involve securing visas and coordinating travel, ensuring compliance with global standards. Safety protocols are rigorous, featuring mandatory medical check-ins and clearance evaluations for all competitors prior to competition.

List of events

Matrix Fight Night has hosted 17 numbered events from its debut in 2019 through 2025, showcasing professional bouts primarily in and the . These events have collectively featured approximately 166 fights, with each card typically including 8 to 13 matchups. The following table provides a chronological overview of all MFN events, including key details such as the event number, date, venue, location, attendance (where documented), and main event bout. Notable among these is MFN 11, which introduced the promotion's title fight.
Event NumberDateVenueLocationAttendanceMain Event
MFN 1March 12, 2019NSCI DomeMumbai, IndiaN/ADhruv Chaudhary vs. Pawan Goyat (Featherweight)
MFN 2June 29, 2019N/ANew Delhi, IndiaN/ASolomon vs. Srikant Sekhar (Lightweight)
MFN 3December 20, 2019Worli NSCI DomeMumbai, IndiaN/AKumar Dahiya vs. Maan Singh (Welterweight)
MFN 4February 28, 2020Al-Nasr Sports ClubDubai, UAEN/ASolomon vs. Maan Singh (Welterweight)
MFN 5December 15, 2020Palazzo VersaceDubai, UAEN/AMaan Singh vs. Kumar Dahiya (Welterweight)
MFN 6September 24, 2021Palazzo VersaceDubai, UAEN/AAnshul Jubli vs. Ali Mahmoudiyan (Lightweight)
MFN 7December 10, 2021Taj Falaknuma PalaceHyderabad, IndiaN/AAbdul Azim Badakhshi vs. Marcelo Guarilha (Featherweight)
MFN 8April 1, 2022Siri Fort AuditoriumNew Delhi, IndiaN/AAbdul Azim Badakhshi vs. Fabricio Oliveira (Featherweight)
MFN 9June 24, 2022Siri Fort AuditoriumNew Delhi, IndiaN/ASanjeet Budhwar vs. Đorđe Stojanović (Featherweight)
MFN 10November 18, 2022Palazzo VersaceDubai, UAEN/ABi Nguyen vs. Puja Tomar (Women's Strawweight Title)
MFN 11March 31, 2023Talkatora StadiumNew Delhi, IndiaN/AAlibek Ergeshov vs. Carlos Rosario (Welterweight Title)
MFN 12July 1, 2023Noida Indoor StadiumNoida, IndiaN/APuja Tomar vs. Olga Feofanova (Women's Strawweight Title)
MFN 13October 28, 2023Noida Indoor StadiumNoida, IndiaN/ASanjeet Budhwar vs. Shyamanand (Featherweight Title)
MFN 14March 9, 2024Noida Indoor StadiumNoida, IndiaN/AAbdul Azim Badakhshi vs. Sanjeet Budhwar (Featherweight Title)
MFN 15August 31, 2024Noida Indoor StadiumNoida, IndiaN/AChungreng Koren vs. Kantharaj Agasa (Bantamweight Title)
MFN 16February 28, 2025Siri Fort AuditoriumNew Delhi, IndiaN/AAnkit Singh Rawat vs. Ujjwal Panghal (Lightweight)
MFN 17August 2, 2025Shaheed Vijay Singh Pathik Sports ComplexGreater Noida, IndiaN/AChungreng Koren vs. Rabindra Dhant (Bantamweight Title)

Championships

Current champions

As of November 20, 2025, Matrix Fight Night's active championships are held by the following fighters across its divisions, with some titles currently vacant due to retirements and unresolved title defenses.
DivisionChampionNationalityWeight ClassDate WonEvent
WelterweightDarkhanbek ErgeshevKyrgyzstan170 lbMarch 31, 2023MFN 11
FeatherweightVacantN/A145 lbN/AN/A
BantamweightRabindra DhantNepal135 lbAugust 2, 2025MFN 17
FlyweightVacantN/A125 lbN/AN/A
Women's StrawweightSonam ZombaIndia115 lbAugust 2, 2025MFN 17

Welterweight Championship

The Matrix Fight Night (MFN) Championship is contested in the 170-pound (77 kg) division, emphasizing fighters known for their striking prowess and technical stand-up battles. The title was established in 2023 to crown the top talent within the promotion's growing roster of international contenders from and beyond. Darkhanbek Ergeshev of became the inaugural champion on March 31, 2023, at MFN 11 in , , defeating American Seth Rosario via after five rounds. Ergeshev's victory showcased his superior cardio and leg kicks, outlanding Rosario in striking volume to secure the belt in a closely contested main event. Ergeshev's first title defense came on October 28, 2023, at MFN 13, where he submitted Indian veteran Jason Solomon via at 2:26 of the first round in the co-main event. This quick finish highlighted Ergeshev's transitions from striking exchanges, solidifying his reign early. No further MFN title defenses have occurred as of November 2025. The division's striking-heavy focus is evident in its title bouts, with Ergeshev's defenses underscoring the blend of knockout power and precise combinations among top contenders like and . As the reigning , Ergeshev holds the title with one successful defense to date.

Featherweight Championship

The Matrix Fight Night (MFN) Championship, contested in the 145-pound (66 kg) division, was established in late 2022 as part of the promotion's growing emphasis on competitive weight classes following its founding in 2019. The inaugural title bout headlined MFN 10 on November 18, 2022, in , where Indian fighter Sanjeet Budhwar, known as the "Silent Killer," captured the belt by defeating Kyrgyzstan's Atabek Abdimitalipov via after five rounds, marking the first championship in the division. Budhwar's reign highlighted the division's blend of dynamic striking exchanges and strategic , with his defenses featuring high-stakes international clashes that underscored MFN's role in elevating Indian MMA on a global stage. At MFN 13 on October 28, 2023, in , he retained the title against India's Shyam Anand in a grueling victory, praised for its intense stand-up warfare and endurance test over five rounds. His second scheduled defense came at MFN 14 on March 9, 2024, against Afghanistan's Abdul Azim Badakhshi, but Budhwar was stripped of the championship on March 8 after failing to make weight, rendering the bout non-title despite his second-round knockout win. The title has remained vacant since the stripping, with no subsequent championship bout announced as of November 2025, amid MFN's focus on other divisions and contender development events. This vacancy stems directly from the weight miss, emphasizing the promotion's strict adherence to weigh-in protocols to maintain competitive integrity. Notable matchups, such as Budhwar's of title-level fights against international opponents, have exemplified the division's emphasis on balanced skill sets, where precise striking often complements defenses in prolonged bouts.

Bantamweight Championship

The MFN Championship, contested at 135 pounds (61 kg), was first awarded at Matrix Fight Night 10 on November 18, 2022, in , , marking the establishment of the division's title following the promotion's inception in 2019. The inaugural champion, Pakistan's Uloomi Karim, captured the belt via first-round TKO (punches) against India's Dhruv Chaudhary, securing the win at 3:17 and becoming the first Pakistani fighter to claim an MFN title. Karim's reign was short-lived, as he vacated the championship due to inactivity, prompting the creation of an interim title to maintain divisional momentum. India's Chungreng Koren emerged as the interim champion at MFN 14 on March 9, 2024, in , defeating Mohammad Farhad by fourth-round TKO (ground and pound) at 3:48, a victory that highlighted Koren's aggressive wrestling and finishing ability after overcoming early pressure from Farhad's striking. Koren then unified the titles at MFN 15 on August 31, 2024, in , stopping India's Kantharaj Agasa via second-round TKO (ground and pound) at 2:46, solidifying his status as the undisputed champion in a bout that showcased the division's blend of striking and exchanges. During his tenure, Koren represented a wave of Indian contenders dominating the weight class, with his defenses emphasizing resilient ground control and submission threats, though no further title bouts occurred before his reign ended. The championship changed hands dramatically at MFN 17 on August 2, 2025, in , , where Nepal's Rabindra Dhant dethroned Koren in a major upset, winning by third-round KO (punches) at 0:53 to become the first Nepali fighter to claim the MFN title. Dhant's victory, achieved through superior cardio and precise counterstriking after weathering Koren's early attempts, not only ended the Indian champion's undefeated streak in title fights but also brought international attention to Nepali MMA talent in a division historically led by South Asian contenders from and . As of November 2025, Dhant remains the reigning champion, with his style incorporating fundamentals that align with the division's notable emphasis on submissions and ground work, as seen in several high-profile bouts featuring armbars and rear-naked chokes among top contenders.
ChampionReign BeganReign EndedDefensesNotes
Uloomi Karim ()November 18, 2022Vacated (2023)0Inaugural champion; won via TKO vs. Dhruv Chaudhary at MFN 10.
Chungreng Koren () (Interim)March 9, 2024August 31, 20240Won via TKO vs. Mohammad Farhad at MFN 14.
Chungreng Koren () (Undisputed)August 31, 2024August 2, 20250Unified via TKO vs. Kantharaj Agasa at MFN 15; lost title via KO to Rabindra Dhant at MFN 17.
Rabindra Dhant ()August 2, 2025Incumbent0First Nepali champion; won via KO vs. Chungreng Koren at MFN 17.

Flyweight Championship

The MFN Flyweight Championship is contested in the flyweight division at a limit of 125 lb (57 kg), emphasizing fighters known for their speed, agility, and technical prowess in striking and . The title was established in the early as part of Matrix Fight Night's expansion of weight classes, reflecting the promotion's growing focus on lighter divisions to showcase dynamic, high-paced bouts. The inaugural championship bout headlined Matrix Fight Night 10 on November 18, 2022, in , , where Angad Bisht of defeated Mohamed Gamal of via rear-naked choke submission at 3:03 of the third round, capturing the vacant in a fight that highlighted Bisht's superior wrestling transitions and ground control. Bisht's victory marked the division's debut, but the weight class has remained underdeveloped with limited title activity, featuring only this single reign amid the promotion's emphasis on higher divisions. Notable 125 lb contests have underscored the division's technical style, including Bisht's competitive non-title clash against Firdavs Zaripov of at MFN 17 on August 2, 2025, in , , where Zaripov secured a victory after three rounds of intense exchanges and counter-striking. As of November 2025, the Flyweight Championship stands vacant following Bisht's departure from active contention in the promotion to pursue international opportunities, such as the Road to UFC series, leaving the title without a defender since its creation. The division's growth has been hampered by a smaller pool of Indian talent at 125 lb compared to heavier classes, necessitating the inclusion of fighters from regions like the and to sustain competitive matchups.

Women's Strawweight Championship

The MFN Women's Strawweight Championship, contested in the 115-pound (52 kg) division, represents a key in the promotion's efforts to elevate competition within Indian . Established as part of MFN's expanding women's divisions, the title highlights fighters who excel in agility-driven strategies and sharp striking techniques, fostering a platform for technical stand-up battles that prioritize precision over raw power. The division's introduction underscored MFN's commitment to gender diversity, integrating women's bouts into events to build a robust talent pipeline and inspire participation across India. The championship's inaugural bout occurred at MFN 10 on November 18, 2022, where Indian fighter Puja Tomar captured the title by defeating Bi Nguyen via TKO (punches) in the second round, marking her as the first women's strawweight champion in MFN history. Tomar, hailing from , defended the belt successfully at MFN 12 on July 1, 2023, stopping Russian challenger Anastasia Feofanova via TKO (corner stoppage) in the fourth round of a grueling contest. These early title fights built on prior non-title women's strawweight matchups, which featured emerging Indian athletes against international opponents, gradually establishing the division's competitive depth and promoting broader inclusivity in the sport. Following Tomar's departure to the UFC in October 2023—the first Indian woman to sign with the promotion—the strawweight title was vacated, creating a two-year gap in defenses as MFN focused on developmental bouts to nurture new contenders. The championship was reestablished at MFN 17 on August 2, 2025, in , , with Zomba defeating undefeated Russian Anna Safeeva by after five rounds in the co-main event. Zomba's victory, her third consecutive win in MFN, not only crowned her the current champion but also served as a landmark for Indian women's MMA, highlighting regional representation from and reinforcing the promotion's role in advancing female athletes on the global stage.

Rankings

Pound-for-pound rankings

The pound-for-pound rankings in Matrix Fight Night serve to recognize the most outstanding male fighters irrespective of , emphasizing overall dominance and skill in the promotion's ecosystem. These rankings evaluate competitors based on key criteria such as total wins, successful title defenses, the caliber of opponents defeated, and level of recent activity, providing a holistic view of elite performance as of November 2025. This approach allows fans and analysts to compare top talents across divisions, highlighting those who excel through consistent high-level competition. As of November 2025, the top pound-for-pound rankings feature prominent champions and standout performers. Rabindra Dhant occupies a high position following his TKO victory over previously undefeated Chungreng Koren to claim the Championship at MFN 17 on August 2, 2025, improving his record to 9-1 and demonstrating superior striking and ground control against quality opposition. Darkhanbek Ergeshev ranks prominently as the reigning Champion since MFN 11 in March 2023, with a 12-2 record marked by decisive wins over international contenders like Seth Rosario via . The list also includes Sanjeet Budhwar, a former Champion with an 11-2 record, noted for his activity and victories in MFN events that established him as a top Indian talent. Pawan Maan earns recognition through his 8-4-1 record and multiple MFN wins. rounds out key figures with his 7-2 record, highlighted by early MFN successes like a win over Mohammad Mahmoudiyan at MFN 6, before transitioning to higher-profile bouts. Rankings undergo quarterly revisions to incorporate fresh results and activity, with notable historical shifts following MFN 17, where Dhant's title win elevated him rapidly due to the upset nature and quality of the bout. This system underscores MFN's commitment to spotlighting cross-divisional excellence amid the promotion's growth to 17 events by late 2025.

Divisional rankings

Matrix Fight Night maintains divisional rankings for its active weight classes, determined by criteria including recent wins, , and upcoming bouts, while excluding fighters inactive for over 12 months. These rankings are updated following major events such as MFN 17 in August 2025 and reflect the competitive landscape in South Asia's MMA scene.

Welterweight (170 lb / 77 kg)

The division is led by champion Darkhanbek Ergeshev, who has held the title since defeating Seth Rosario via at MFN 11 on March 31, 2023, with no successful defenses reported as of November 2025. Top contenders include undefeated prospects and veterans with strong regional performances.
RankFighterRecordNotable Achievements
1Darkhanbek Ergeshev12-2-0MFN Champion; unanimous decision win over Seth Rosario (MFN 11)
2Rizwan Ali11-0-0Undefeated streak with multiple finishes; recent win over Adham Mohamed
3Adham Mohamed11-5-0Veteran with 11 wins, including submission victories; active in 2025 bouts
4Seth Rosario10-3-0Former title challenger; strong wrestling base from prior MFN appearances
5Uros Jovanovic9-2-0Rising contender with recent decision wins in regional events

Featherweight (145 lb / 66 kg)

The featherweight title remains vacant since Sanjeet Budhwar was stripped of it in March 2024 after missing weight for his defense at MFN 14, with interim rankings highlighting Afghan and Indian contenders based on post-MFN 17 activity. Fighters like Sanjeet Budhwar have emerged as top prospects through consistent wins against regional opposition.
RankFighterRecordNotable Achievements
1Abdul Azim Badakhshi15-5-0Dominant striker; multiple 2025 wins, including TKO finishes
2Sanjeet Budhwar11-2-0MFN regular; submission specialist with recent decision win at MFN 16
3Mehmosh Raza12-6-0Balanced grappler; key victory over in mid-2025
4Hamid Rehman9-4-0Active contender; strong schedule with three fights in 2025
5Shyam Anand7-2-0Former interim champion; recent to solidify ranking

Bantamweight (135 lb / 61 kg)

Rabindra Dhant captured the championship with a third-round over Chungreng Koren in the MFN 17 main event on August 2, 2025, elevating him to the top of the division. This victory marked Nepal's first MFN title and shifted the rankings, emphasizing grapplers with finishing ability.
RankFighterRecordNotable Achievements
111-1-0Undefeated in recent bouts; high-volume striker with 2025 activity; MFN #1 contender
2Rabindra Dhant9-1-0MFN ; KO win over Chungreng Koren (MFN 17)
310-3-0Power puncher; submission defense in key win post-MFN 17
4Chungreng Koren7-2-0Former top contender; resilient grappler despite title loss at MFN 17
5Sahil Rana7-1-0Emerging finisher; unanimous decision in 2025 MFN prelim

Flyweight (125 lb / 57 kg)

With the flyweight title vacant since the last unification attempt in 2024, rankings serve as interim standings, favoring Indian fighters who have dominated regional cards. Mridul Saikia's technical striking has positioned him as the frontrunner ahead of potential title bouts.
RankFighterRecordNotable Achievements
1Mridul Saikia8-1-0Top prospect; multiple TKOs in 2025, including MFN 17 undercard
2Angad Bisht10-5-0Veteran with grappling edge; recent submission win
3Arshiyan Memon7-0-0Undefeated; fast-rising with decision victories in contenders series
4Monjit Yein6-2-0Aggressive style; knockout in mid-2025 bout
5Awan Aqib5-1-0Balanced fighter; active schedule post-MFN 17

Women's Strawweight (115 lb / 52 kg)

The women's strawweight division gained prominence after Sonam Zomba's victory over undefeated Anna Safeeva at MFN 17 on August 2, 2025, crowning her the inaugural champion and establishing emerging rankings focused on Indian talent. These rankings prioritize active competitors with strong defensive records.
RankFighterRecordNotable Achievements
1Sonam Zomba7-1-0MFN Women's Strawweight Champion; decision win over Anna Safeeva (MFN 17)
2Aarti Khatri6-1-0Striking specialist; recent TKO in 2025 regional event
3Shalinee Singh4-1-0Grappling focus; submission victory post-MFN 17
45-2-0Durable veteran; decision wins in contenders bouts
5Rekha Choudhary3-0-0Undefeated prospect; emerging with 2025 finishes

References

  1. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/more-sports/others/ayesha-shroff-krishna-shroff-reveal-story-behind-birth-of-matrix-fight-night-never-a-vanity-project-for-us/articleshow/100554901.cms
  2. https://www.zoominfo.com/c/matrix-fight-night/1314926455
  3. https://tracxn.com/d/companies/mfn/__xTAZGkdZo0Sva476yFwn0OJ1jZbWbzUygl0jM_aaGKE
  4. https://www.tapology.com/fightcenter/events/59364-matrix-fight-night
  5. https://www.tapology.com/fightcenter/events/128735-matrix-fight-night-17
  6. https://www.tapology.com/fightcenter/promotions/2790-matrix-fight-night-mfn
  7. https://www.espn.com/mma/fighter/history/_/id/4292760/puja-tomar
  8. https://www.sportskeeda.com/bos/news-people-gradually-understanding-mma-just-street-fight-legitimate-sport-ms-krishna-shroff-co-founder-matrix-fight-night
  9. https://www.entrepreneur.com/en-in/entrepreneurs/the-fighter-duo-krishna-shroff-and-ayesha-shroff/471214
  10. https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/tiger-shroff-and-family-owns-mma-league-training-facility-with-16-gyms-across-india-ayesha-and-krishna-shroff-explain-their-business-empire-10200373/
  11. https://www.mmamatrix.org/franchise.php
  12. https://www.instagram.com/mfn_mma/
  13. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0CYk4QeeKok
  14. https://www.sherdog.com/organizations/Matrix-Fight-Night-15193
  15. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yCd3GaHhCKo
  16. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChnj7yTx9GwKrXtjUvNZFiw
  17. https://www.advanced-television.com/2023/12/15/matrix-fight-night-associates-with-new-mma-regulatory-federation/
  18. https://www.facebook.com/mfnmma/videos/meet-our-official-gym-partner-mmamatrixgym-mfn5dubai-mfn-mma-matrixfightnight-mi/2733064700240797/
  19. https://www.aninews.in/news/sports/others/never-a-vanity-project-for-us-matrix-fight-night-co-founders-recall-tough-journey-of-establishing-mma-promotion-in-india20230527230142
  20. https://www.kreedon.com/all-about-mfn-matrix-fight-night
  21. https://www.mmaindia.com/matrix-fight-night-6-anshul-jubli-defeats-mohammad-mahmoudian-via-submission-in-round-1/
  22. https://www.indiatoday.in/impact-feature/story/matrix-fight-night-collaborates-with-disney-hotstar-to-stream-the-10th-edition-of-the-mixed-martial-arts-competition-2001078-2022-09-16
  23. https://www.tapology.com/fightcenter/events/132925-mfn-contenders-2025
  24. https://mediabrief.com/matrix-fight-night-12-watch-time-surges-by-300-disney-hotstar/
  25. https://www.businessworld.in/article/mfn-is-nurturing-talent-and-giving-back-to-the-world-of-martial-arts-ayesha-krishna-shroff-482444
  26. https://www.rozanaspokesman.com/sports/270225/krishna-shroff-and-ayesha-shroff-announce-matrix-fight-night-16.html
  27. https://www.abcboxing.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Unified-Rules-of-MMA-8.2025.pdf
  28. https://www.sportsnet.ca/ufc/article/new-judging-criteria-approved-for-mmas-unified-rules/
  29. https://www.abcboxing.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/unified-mma-rules-rev-july-2024.pdf
  30. https://www.mmafighting.com/2024/10/24/24278620/new-york-state-athletic-commission-to-officially-adopt-new-mma-rules-ahead-of-ufc-309
  31. https://www.tapology.com/fightcenter/events/123644-matrix-fight-night-16
  32. https://www.tapology.com/fightcenter/events/93261-matrix-fight-night-10
  33. https://www.tapology.com/fightcenter/events/98066-matrix-fight-night-11
  34. https://sportstar.thehindu.com/other-sports/mma/matrix-fight-night-mfn-12-schedule-title-bout-india-ufc-news/article66873450.ece
  35. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L2Kalvi8PXc
  36. https://www.youtube.com/shorts/x7H2uBRUINc
  37. https://www.sherdog.com/fighter/Darkhanbek-Ergeshev-252925
  38. https://www.sherdog.com/events/MFN-17-Matrix-Fight-Night-17-108377
  39. https://arunachalobserver.org/2025/08/04/matrix-fight-night-17-sonam-zomba-beats-russian-to-emerge-strawweight-champion/
  40. https://www.mmaindia.com/matrix-fight-night-11-results-darkhanbek-ergeshev-defeats-seth-rosario-to-become-the-inaugural-mfn-welterweight-champion/
  41. https://asianmma.com/results-report-from-matrix-fight-night-11/
  42. https://lockerroom.in/blog/view/matrix-fight-night-13-results
  43. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZybSKGu3Yak
  44. https://www.facebook.com/mfnmma/videos/feather-weight-champion-sanjeetbudhwar-winner-by-unanimous-decision-mfn10-titleb/2086263924908952/
  45. https://www.hindustantimes.com/sports/others/sanjeet-budhwar-to-defend-his-featherweight-title-against-shyamanand-in-blockbuster-main-event-at-mfn-13-101693561549324.html
  46. https://www.sherdog.com/events/MFN-13-Matrix-Fight-Night-13-99271
  47. https://www.fightbookmma.com/sanjeet-budhwar-successfully-defends-his-featherweight-title-in-an-electrifying-showdown-at-matrix-fight-night-13/
  48. https://www.aninews.in/news/sports/others/sanjeet-budhwar-retains-featherweight-title-in-mfn-1320231030125228
  49. https://twitter.com/mmaecosystem/status/1766147777820754427
  50. https://www.india.com/sports/mfn-14-sanjeet-budhwar-knocks-out-abdul-azim-badakhshi-chungreng-koren-clinches-interim-bantamweight-title-6779006/
  51. https://www.sherdog.com/news/news/Sanjeet-Budhwar-Knocks-Out-Abdul-Azim-Bidakhshi-in-Matrix-Fight-Night-14-Headliner-192909
  52. https://www.theshillongtimes.com/2023/10/30/sanjeet-budhwar-retains-featherweight-title-in-mfn-13/
  53. https://thefangarage.com/articles/19930-matrix-fight-night-announces-featherweight-title-bout-between-sanjeet-budhwar-and-shyamanand
  54. https://www.arabnews.com/node/2203106/pakistan
  55. https://www.tapology.com/fightcenter/bouts/842853-matrix-fight-night-14-mohammad-sher-e-hind-farhad-vs-chungreng-the-indian-rhino-koren
  56. https://www.tapology.com/fightcenter/bouts/902152-matrix-fight-night-15-chungreng-the-indian-rhino-koren-vs-kantharaj-kannadiga-agasa
  57. https://thebetterindia.com/347380/mma-fighter-india-mfn-14-bantamweight-champion-from-manipur-chungreng-koren/
  58. https://www.tapology.com/fightcenter/bouts/1005683-matrix-fight-night-17-chungreng-the-indian-rhino-koren-vs-rabindra-dhant
  59. https://diplomatnepal.com/diplomacy/sports/rabindra-dhant-wins-bantamweight-title-at-matrix-fight-night/
  60. https://www.sherdog.com/fighter/Rabindra-Dhant-375262
  61. https://www.tapology.com/fightcenter/bouts/691472-matrix-fight-night-10-angad-bisht-vs-mohamed-the-executioner-gamal
  62. https://www.sherdog.com/fighter/Angad-Bisht-274657
  63. https://lockerroom.in/blog/view/mfn-10-results
  64. https://www.tapology.com/fightcenter/bouts/1005685-matrix-fight-night-17-angad-bisht-vs-firdavs-hawk-zaripov
  65. https://www.tapology.com/fightcenter/fighters/178795-angad-bisht
  66. https://kathmandupost.com/sports/2025/08/10/ravindra-dhat-shines-on-international-mma-stage
  67. https://www.tapology.com/fightcenter/fighters/154790-darhanbek-ergeshov
  68. https://www.tapology.com/fightcenter/fighters/57538-sanjeet-budhwar
  69. https://www.tapology.com/fightcenter/fighters/36691-pawan-maan-singh
  70. https://www.tapology.com/fightcenter/fighters/124220-anshul-jubil
  71. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kjHyhPGeb1I
  72. https://www.tapology.com/regions/asia-south/rankings/
  73. https://www.tapology.com/rankings/regional/3524-asia-south-pro-mens-welterweight
  74. https://www.tapology.com/rankings/regional/3522-asia-south-pro-mens-featherweight
  75. https://nepal360news.com/post/sports/rabindra-dhant-claims-mfn-17-bantamweight-title-in-epic-victory
  76. https://www.tapology.com/rankings/regional/3521-asia-south-pro-mens-bantamweight
  77. https://www.tapology.com/fightcenter/fighters/306132-rabindra-dhant
  78. https://www.tapology.com/rankings/regional/3520-asia-south-pro-mens-flyweight
  79. https://www.tapology.com/rankings/regional/3528-asia-south-womens-pound-for-pound
  80. https://www.tapology.com/fightcenter/fighters/334473-sonam-zomba
Add your contribution
Related Hubs
User Avatar
No comments yet.