Daily Times

BANGKOK: Pakistan’s Mixed Martial Artist Waqar Umar secured his maiden victory over Chinese opponent Zhao Zhi Kang at ONE Championship’s Iron Will at Bangkok on Friday.

Waqar (5-4 in MMA), who had previously fought four times under the banner of ONE without success, impressed those in attendance with a first-round finish of Kang, who holds an impressive record of 10-2.

Speaking after his victory, Waqar Physcho Umar thanked his team-mates at Rogue Fitness and MMA and the entire nation for always supporting the 27-year-old in his ups and downs.

Director Prime Sports Management and Waqar’s manager Muhammad Rizwan termed the victory as the biggest day in the MMA star’s professional career.

The victory holds more weight for the Pakistani warrior as he strangled his opponent, with known grappling credentials, via a Rear-Naked Choke a minute before the end of the first round.

Waqar’s coach Jahanzeb Rashad also praised him for securing a significant win despite a few setbacks in the past. He also termed the success as a new beginning for the young prospect.

Speaking about the fight strategy, the coach said that “Zhao was good in striking and takedowns in his previous fights. Our plan was to submit him on the ground and we successfully achieved the goal.”

Kang used his stinging kicks to set up takedowns, while Waqar successfully defended himself on the ground by scrambling out of dangerous positions.

Later, the Pakistani MMA star turned the tables on the Chinese counterpart, taking his back and submitting to earn his first win.

Pakistan’s MMA community is rapidly growing across the country, with young fighters like Waqar himself, Ahmed Mujtaba, Mehmosh Raza and various others seeking to make Pakistan proud.

Watch full-fight between Waqar Umar and Zhao Zhi Kang here