Imphal, Jan 4: Manipur will host a two-day mixed martial arts event in early April, with professional bouts scheduled for April 4, as part of an initiative to showcase fighters from the Northeast, organisers said.
The event, titled Manipur Pride MMA: The Rise of Warriors 1, was organised by BonJovi MMA and Fitness. It was announced that amateur contests would be held on April 3, followed by professional fights the next day.
Speaking at a press conference in Imphal, event director Rangam Chiru said the programme aimed to provide competitive exposure to fighters from Manipur, many of whom lacked access to regular professional platforms. He said the event sought to bridge the gap between amateur competition and professional circuits, while creating pathways to national and international tournaments.
Organisers said fighters from other Northeastern states were also expected to participate, giving the fight night a regional character. They described the card as one of the larger MMA events planned in Manipur in recent years.
Local MMA fighter Nongmaithem BonJovi said athletes in the state often faced challenges due to limited technical guidance, structured mentorship and institutional support. He said the event would serve as a learning platform by exposing fighters to professional standards and higher levels of competition.
According to the organisers, screening and selection of fighters would take place about a week before the event, with both amateur and professional athletes set to feature.
The organisers said the fight night reflected growing interest in mixed martial arts in Manipur, a state traditionally known for producing boxers and other combat sports athletes, and signalled a gradual expansion of organised MMA in the region.
