Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) was first introduced in 1985 by Japan’s Shooto organization. However, the MMA that we know now was first introduced on 12th November 1993. It is one of many Martial Arts such as boxing, wrestling, judo, jujitsu, karate, Muay Thai (Thai boxing), and other disciplines. MMA is also believed to be a part of the ancient Olympic Games in 648 BC where Greek armies used to fight in front of a huge crowd. It has not been a long time since MMA entered Nepal’s martial arts. Rage Fitness was the only gym that provided Nepali fighters with the training for MMA for the first time.

31-year-old Santosh Khatri, a Muay Thai, and MMA fighter got into it after getting inspired by Ultimate Fight Club (UFC) in 2016. “I was always interested in Martial Arts always dreamt of becoming a professional fighter. Watching UFC and some fighters like George St. Pierre, Mike Tyson, and May Weather inspired me more to join MMA,” says Khatri.