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Summary:
Mahboob Khan is a hidden gem in Indian MMA. He is the first and only Indian to bag an international gold medal and become the World Champion in the sport at the age of 20. Holding an incredible record of 40 wins and 6 losses, Mahboob initially kicked off his journey at Shaik Khalid's Hyderabad MMA Gym (Now House of Champions)
Mahboob's feats have been recognised by international organisations - the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) and Professional Fighters League (PFL), two of the largest MMA promotion companies in the world.
The UFC wanted to sign Khalid’s most notable protégé to take part in Dana White’s Contender Series where up-and-coming fighters showcase their talents in hopes of fighting in the professional promotion, but Khalid wants all his fighters to hone their records and skills at an amateur level before venturing into pro-territory. The PFL had also invited Mahboob to make his pro debut in Las Vegas in January.
Mahboob has been gifted with immense talent. He constantly represents the country in various national as well as international competitions. He has faced a tsunami of challenges to reach where he is right now. Most of these challenges were a consequence of financial struggle. We hope this will not be an issue for him during the IMMAF World Championship which is being held in Serbia and is the main reason we have created this fundraiser in his support. Although MMA is one of the fastest-growing sports in the country, Mahboob's efforts to seek help from the government have come to no avail.
Mahboob had also secured the bronze medal in the IMMAF Asian Championship held in October, 2022.
This fundraiser is being hosted to help Mahboob represent his country in the upcoming IMMAF World Championship starting February 11th, 2023.
Background and Struggles:
The 24-year-old is now a World Champion, but before his rise to glory, he had been a taxi driver and had also worked in a clothing store to make ends meet for his family. The MMA fighter, who aspires to win more medals for his country, wants the support of the government in his journey.
"I was a taxi driver earlier and a part-time worker in a clothing store to fulfill the basic needs of my family. My interest in MMA began when I first saw my friend training, and later with the help of my trainer Sheikh Khalid, I have come this far. It has been only four years of training during which at the age of 20 years, I bagged International Gold Medal representing India in the 2018 IMMAF (International Mixed Martial Arts Federation) defeating Bahrain, Kazakhstan, and Australia," he said.
"I am the first and only Indian who has bagged an International Gold Medal for the Country in Mixed Martial Arts till now. I request the Government of India to support me to participate in more International fights and win for the country," Mahboob added.
Documentary & News Articles:
Watch this short documentary to learn more about Mahboob's journey and obstacles:
Mahboob Khan is a hidden gem in Indian MMA. He is the first and only Indian to bag an international gold medal and become the World Champion in the sport at the age of 20. Holding an incredible record of 40 wins and 6 losses, Mahboob initially kicked off his journey at Shaik Khalid's Hyderabad MMA Gym (Now House of Champions)
The UFC wanted to sign Khalid’s most notable protégé to take part in Dana White’s Contender Series where up-and-coming fighters showcase their talents in hopes of fighting in the professional promotion, but Khalid wants all his fighters to hone their records and skills at an amateur level before venturing into pro-territory. The PFL had also invited Mahboob to make his pro debut in Las Vegas in January.
Mahboob has been gifted with immense talent. He constantly represents the country in various national as well as international competitions. He has faced a tsunami of challenges to reach where he is right now. Most of these challenges were a consequence of financial struggle. We hope this will not be an issue for him during the IMMAF World Championship which is being held in Serbia and is the main reason we have created this fundraiser in his support. Although MMA is one of the fastest-growing sports in the country, Mahboob's efforts to seek help from the government have come to no avail.
Mahboob had also secured the bronze medal in the IMMAF Asian Championship held in October, 2022.
This fundraiser is being hosted to help Mahboob represent his country in the upcoming IMMAF World Championship starting February 11th, 2023.Background and Struggles:
The 24-year-old is now a World Champion, but before his rise to glory, he had been a taxi driver and had also worked in a clothing store to make ends meet for his family. The MMA fighter, who aspires to win more medals for his country, wants the support of the government in his journey.
"I was a taxi driver earlier and a part-time worker in a clothing store to fulfill the basic needs of my family. My interest in MMA began when I first saw my friend training, and later with the help of my trainer Sheikh Khalid, I have come this far. It has been only four years of training during which at the age of 20 years, I bagged International Gold Medal representing India in the 2018 IMMAF (International Mixed Martial Arts Federation) defeating Bahrain, Kazakhstan, and Australia," he said.
"I am the first and only Indian who has bagged an International Gold Medal for the Country in Mixed Martial Arts till now. I request the Government of India to support me to participate in more International fights and win for the country," Mahboob added.
Documentary & News Articles:
Watch this short documentary to learn more about Mahboob's journey and obstacles:
