‘Pride of Bangladesh’- Bangladesh vs the World in Dhaka’s Ring

Bangladesh’s combat sports scene is set to witness a new chapter with ZFC 2: Pride of Bangladesh, an international combat sports event scheduled for September 18 at the Zulkarnain Indoor Arena at Bashundhara Sports City.

The journey to establish an international-standard combat sports platform in Bangladesh began in April with ZFC 1: The Takeover. The second edition will feature multiple international bouts across boxing, Muay Thai and MMA, including five championship bouts. A new attraction this time is Bangladesh’s first-ever bare-knuckle boxing bout.

In the main event, Bangladesh’s “Golden Boy” Masjedul Reza Omio will face Thailand’s Thanapat Thittham for the WMO Asia Muay Thai title. Omio is confident about his opportunity to win an Asian title on home soil. Satisfied with his preparation, the Bangladeshi fighter wants to prove his ability in the ring.
In the co-main event, Sura Krishna Chakma of Bangladesh will face Indonesia’s Mr. Kundimang for the ZFC Boxing title. Sura last fought in December and said he is returning after a long break with much better preparation. His preparation will be tested in the ring against Mr. Kundimang.

The bare-knuckle boxing bout between US fighter Will “The Kill” Chope and Iran’s Mostafa Ashori is set to hold a special place in Bangladesh’s combat sports history. It will be the first bout of its kind in Bangladesh. Chope, an experienced fighter from the United States, said he knocked out Mostafa in a very short time 13 years ago. Mostafa is now returning to the ring seeking revenge for that defeat. Thus, the historic first bare-knuckle bout will also feature the backdrop of an old rivalry.

In the ZFC Muay Thai title bout, Bangladesh’s Muhammad Rashed will face Malaysia’s Erwandi Kalai. Mr. Kalai is regarded as one of the talented fighters of his generation and is coming to Bangladesh to compete on just one day’s notice. Rashed, however, is equally confident. His aim is to put on an exciting fight for the spectators regardless of how strong his opponent is.

In a professional MMA bout, Bangladesh’s Manjurul Alam will take on Indonesia’s Philipus Ranga. Ahead of the fight, Mr. Manjurul also expressed optimism about the future of combat sports in Bangladesh. He believes Bangladesh will produce a world champion by 2031-32. He considers regular international competitions and opportunities to fight experienced fighters important to achieving that goal. He wants to be part of that journey through his own bout this time.

In another ZFC Boxing title fight, Bangladesh’s Sirajul Rabbi will face Singapore’s Sean Raphael Sanny. Although his opponent has threatened to knock him out quickly, Mr. Rabbi remains confident in his skills and preparation. He wants to respond to the threat not with words but in the ring.
In professional boxing, Bangladesh’s Rakib Hossain will face Indonesia’s Dedy Imprackx. The bout will provide Mr. Rakib with an opportunity to test his skills against an international opponent. On the same card, Bangladesh’s Ganadan Chakma will face Singapore’s Donovan McIntyre. Both Bangladeshi fighters will aim to make their mark on the international stage.

In women’s professional boxing, Bangladesh’s Sanjida Jannat will face Malaysia’s Meredy Michael. Ms. Sanjida has been confident about the fight from the beginning. Her goal is to turn her preparation into a victory in front of the home crowd.
The card will open with a women’s semi-pro Muay Thai bout featuring Gazi Anaz Shampa Islam. She said she has prepared well by training with Masjedul and Rashed. As her opponent is also confident, an exciting opening bout is expected.

The organisers also have long-term ambitions. They have said they plan to develop ZFC with the goal of producing a world champion from Bangladesh within the next three years. By bringing international fighters to Bangladesh’s rings and providing local fighters with regular opportunities to compete at a high level, they aim to take the country’s combat sports to the international stage.