By Shahraiz Waqas
When you think of Pakistan, mixed martial arts (MMA) likely isn’t the first thing that comes to mind—but that’s changing fast. In the span of just a few years, a quiet revolution has taken root, transforming street-level passion into a nationwide movement that’s now capturing global attention. At the heart of this evolution are three names reshaping Pakistan’s combat sports landscape: Omar Ahmed, President of the Pakistan MMA Federation, and Qaim Abass and Muhammad Baig, co-founders of the Real World Fight League (RWFL).
What began as casual park fight nights between two friends fascinated by the sport has turned into something far more ambitious. Abass and Baig started out with a simple goal—to bring together people who shared their love for MMA. As their grassroots events gained popularity, they caught the attention of Omar Ahmed, a seasoned professional who saw their raw potential and decided to take them in at BraveGym. That partnership proved pivotal. With proper facilities, mentorship, and a platform to showcase their vision, RWFL rapidly evolved into a serious organization. Soon, their fight nights were not only drawing nationwide attention but were being broadcast live on TV channels across Pakistan.
As RWFL grew, so did the caliber of fighters. Young men and women from across the country began training seriously, turning their passion into purpose. Sensing the momentum, Omar Ahmed took the bold step of integrating Pakistan into the international MMA circuit. In just a short span, Pakistani fighters began making waves at global events like the UAE IMMAF Championships and European tournaments, securing wins through knockouts and submissions that made the world sit up and take notice.
These achievements culminated in a historic moment: Pakistan was chosen to host the first-ever IMMAF Asian Championships. The significance of this can’t be overstated—it was no longer just about competing; it was about proving that Pakistan had arrived. Fighters from across the world came to compete, and the event was streamed live globally. It wasn’t just a showcase of talent; it was a declaration of intent. As Omar Ahmed put it, “Hosting the IMMAF Asian Championships was a defining moment. It wasn’t just about Pakistan participating in MMA anymore, it was about proving that we belong in the global conversation.”
The championship also helped prove to the government that this movement was serious. Ministers took notice. Omar Ahmed was invited for meetings. Sponsorships followed. Government-led programs are now in the works to support young fighters, train new talent, and cement MMA as a viable sporting career in Pakistan. This level of official backing was unimaginable just a few years ago.
The rise of MMA in Pakistan isn’t just transforming the sports scene—it’s changing lives. For co-founder Qaim Abass, the impact is deeply personal. “Combat sports have a profound impact on teenagers, just as they did on me,” he says. “Every small victory matters. With each punch thrown and each doubt overcome, you realize progress is built step by step.” Today, BraveGym and other academies across the country are full of young fighters eager to learn, test themselves, and find belonging within a supportive, disciplined community.
Muhammad Baig echoes the sentiment with advice for the next generation: “Stay consistent and believe in yourself. A few years ago, we had no real platform. Now, we have opportunities we couldn’t dream of before. If you’re passionate and willing to put in the work, nothing can stop you.”
Pakistan’s MMA journey is no longer just a dream—it’s a reality in motion. What started in public parks has exploded into a movement that’s energizing youth, changing perceptions, and putting Pakistan on the global MMA map. With world-class fighters emerging, international championships being hosted at home, and growing government support, the stage is set for something bigger than anyone imagined. The world is watching—and Pakistan is ready to fight.
Shahraizwaqas1212@gmail.com
