Rabindra Dhant is now just one win away from making history as Nepal’s first UFC fighter. The 27-year-old bantamweight beat New Zealand’s previously unbeaten Kasib Murdoch to reach the Road to UFC Season 5 final — and in doing so gave a grieving nation a rare reason to celebrate. Here’s his story, his fights so far, what comes next, and how to watch.
Rabindra Dhant — quick facts
| Full name | Rabindra Dhant |
|---|---|
| Age | 27 |
| Nationality | Nepali 🇳🇵 |
| Division | Bantamweight (MMA) |
| Style | Striking & explosiveness; background in karate and Brazilian jiu-jitsu |
| Milestone | First fighter from Nepal to compete in ONE Championship (2023); first Nepali to reach a Road to UFC final |
| Next fight | Road to UFC Season 5 bantamweight final vs Ryo Tajima (Japan) — date to be announced |
Who is Rabindra Dhant?
Rabindra Dhant is a Nepali mixed martial artist who has quickly become the face of MMA in Nepal. He made history as the first fighter from Nepal to sign with ONE Championship in 2023, and now competes in the bantamweight division. Known for his explosive striking and athleticism — built on a base of karate and Brazilian jiu-jitsu — Dhant has become a national sporting icon and a symbol of what Nepali athletes can achieve on the world stage.
Rabindra Dhant’s Road to UFC Season 5 journey
Road to UFC is the UFC’s Asian tournament where regional fighters compete for a coveted UFC contract. Dhant entered the Season 5 bantamweight bracket and has looked sharp at every stage:
- Opening round (Macau): Dhant stopped Kimbert Alintozon with a dominant performance — taking the fight to the ground, climbing to mount and landing a barrage of punches that forced the referee to step in at 4:37 of Round 2. The TKO win sent him into the semifinals.
- Semifinal (Shanghai): He then edged New Zealand’s Kasib Murdoch to book his place in the final.
Rabindra Dhant vs Kasib Murdoch: the fight that made history
In the bantamweight semifinal at the Oriental Sports Center in Shanghai, China, Dhant faced the previously undefeated Kasib “Murder” Murdoch over three rounds. It was a classic styles clash — Murdoch’s grappling and pressure against Dhant’s speed and striking. The Kiwi repeatedly closed the distance and looked for grappling entanglements, but Dhant kept fighting his way out and landing the cleaner, more impactful strikes.
After 15 minutes, Dhant took the split decision, with two of the three judges scoring it 29–28 in his favour. The win ended Murdoch’s unbeaten professional run and made Rabindra Dhant the first Nepali fighter ever to reach a Road to UFC final.
What’s next: Rabindra Dhant’s next fight (the final vs Ryo Tajima)
Dhant now meets Japan’s Ryo Tajima in the Road to UFC Season 5 bantamweight final. The prize is enormous: the winner is expected to earn a UFC contract, which would make Dhant the first fighter from Nepal to reach the sport’s biggest stage. As of this update, the final date has not yet been officially announced — check back for the confirmed fight date and time.
How to watch Rabindra Dhant’s fight
Road to UFC bouts are broadcast on the UFC’s official channels and streaming platforms (such as UFC Fight Pass), with results and highlights posted on UFC.com. In Nepal, fans have followed his fights through local sports coverage and online streams. Once the final is scheduled, confirm the exact broadcast and timing via official UFC channels and trusted Nepali sports media to avoid unofficial or unsafe streams.
Why Rabindra Dhant matters to Nepal
Dhant’s run has arrived at a difficult time for Nepal, and his victories have been widely described as a moment of national pride and relief. Beyond the medals and headlines, his success has sparked a bigger conversation: his camp and fans are now calling for real, structured support — proper funding, facilities and backing for MMA and Nepali athletes — rather than praise alone. Whatever happens in the final, Rabindra Dhant has already changed the story of combat sports in Nepal.
Frequently asked questions
Who is Rabindra Dhant?
Rabindra Dhant is a 27-year-old Nepali bantamweight MMA fighter — the first from Nepal to compete in ONE Championship and the first to reach a Road to UFC final.
Did Rabindra Dhant beat Kasib Murdoch?
Yes. Dhant beat Kasib Murdoch by split decision (29–28 on two scorecards) in the Road to UFC Season 5 bantamweight semifinal in Shanghai, ending Murdoch’s unbeaten record.
Who does Rabindra Dhant fight next?
He faces Japan’s Ryo Tajima in the Road to UFC Season 5 bantamweight final. The winner is expected to earn a UFC contract.
When is Rabindra Dhant’s next fight?
The Road to UFC Season 5 final date had not been officially announced at the time of writing. Check official UFC channels for the confirmed date and time.
Is Rabindra Dhant in the UFC?
Not yet. He is one win away — victory in the Road to UFC final is expected to earn him a UFC contract, which would make him the first Nepali fighter in the UFC.
What is Rabindra Dhant’s fighting style?
He is known for explosive striking and athleticism, built on a background in karate and Brazilian jiu-jitsu.
This is a developing story; details like the final date may change. Sources: The Kathmandu Post, UFC.com, Wikipedia, ONE Championship, Tapology.
