A mixed martial arts (MMA) show has been held in the open air for the first time in Dhaka to promote and develop professional boxing in the country's sports arena.

MMA is a contact sport that allows a wide range of fighting techniques, including striking, kicking, punching, and grappling.

Two platforms of “All Bangladesh National Mixed Martial Art Association” (ABNMMAA) and “Royal Bengal Fighting Championship” (RBFC) jointly organised the “Dhaka Fight Night 2024” at Rabindra Sarobar in Dhanmondi on Friday.

Earlier, the competition of this sport was organised several times indoors but did not get much response. This is the first time that this kind of competition was organised in open air marking the birth centenary of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.

Thousands of spectators enjoyed the show in person with music while someone was connected over live streaming on interment. Along with professional boxers, social media influencers were also present to promote the sport.

The event was supposed to host three professional matches. The main attractions were two professional MMA fighters – Manjoor Alam and Mustafizur Rahman – who are better known for their powerful striking and unbridled aggression.

They were supposed to face off in a title fight. Viewers who were looking forward to seeing their fight, however, were left disappointed as there was a clear impression of mismanagement in the whole arrangement.

However, it is alleged that amateur matches were more prominent than professional ones.  Even the results were debated.

ABNMMAA General Secretary Habibullah Parvez said the programme was disrupted since the Rabindra Sarobar authorities requested to vacate the venue before 9:20pm though they rented it till 10pm.

“It was not possible to organise professional matches during this period. That is the main issue. But the other matches were on time. Many spectators came to watch Manjoor's match. But when he arrived, another match was going on,” he said.

BDST: 1555 HRS, FEB 25, 2024
MN/SMS