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Mizoram Emerges as a Rising Global MMA Hub: UFC Champion Joshua Van Visits, MISMA Fight Night Triumphs, and Lalthazuala signs Historic ONE Championship Contract

Mizoram’s combat sports scene is celebrating an unprecedented week of historic milestones, marked by a high-profile visit from UFC Flyweight Champion Joshua Van, a blockbuster local fight night, and a groundbreaking international contract for a homegrown fighter. Chief Minister Welcomes UFC Champion Joshua Van to Mizoram The historic week kicked off on the afternoon of May…

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Mizoram’s combat sports scene is celebrating an unprecedented week of historic milestones, marked by a high-profile visit from UFC Flyweight Champion Joshua Van, a blockbuster local fight night, and a groundbreaking international contract for a homegrown fighter.

Chief Minister Welcomes UFC Champion Joshua Van to Mizoram

The historic week kicked off on the afternoon of May 29, 2026, when Chief Minister Lalduhoma hosted UFC Flyweight Champion Joshua Van at his office. Accompanied by the Office bearers of MISMA, Sports Minister Lalnghinglova Hmar and Lt. Col. Clement Lalhmingthanga, MLA, the Chief Minister welcomed the elite fighter and expressed deep appreciation for his visit, stating, “Joshua Van’s remarkable achievements have become a great source of inspiration for Mizo youth,” wishing him a pleasant stay in the state.

Joshua Van, who is currently visiting the state on vacation, shared his gratitude during the brief meeting: “The Mizo people should know that they now have their own UFC Champion. I consider Mizoram my home, and I regard the people here as my brothers and sisters.” His visit—marking the first time a reigning UFC Champion has ever toured India. Joshua was accompanied by Rome Thalop (CEO of Thalop Group), ⁠ Dakota Hope(UFC Fighter & Trainer at 4oz Fight Club), Rohming Thalop (VP of Commercial and Home Lending) and ⁠Van Lian (Sushi Chef at SushiBoi).

A rare visit from the National and International heads


In another historic milestone for Mizoram and Northeast India, two top international MMA officials – Sharif Bapu (Senior Vice President, Asian MMA Federation & Member, Referee & Judge Commission, IMMAF) and Prasad Gaitonde (General Secretary, MMA India & IMMAF International Referee & Judge) conducted a National-Level Referee & Judge Seminar in the state during 27-29 May, attended by officials from five states.

Massive Crowds Packed for MISMA Fight Night

Following the courtesy visit, the highly anticipated Zonet MISMA Fight Night sanctioned by MMA India took place on May 30, at the R. Dengthuama Indoor Stadium in Mualpui. Jointly organized by MISMA and Zonet Cable TV Pvt Ltd, the event proved to be a massive success, drawing an overflowing crowd that packed the stadium past its capacity.

Chief Minister Lalduhoma graced the blockbuster event as the Chief Guest, in the presence of Sports Minister Pu Lalnghinglova Hmar, Directors of Zonet L.V. Lalthantluanga & Lalnunpuia and Senior Vice President of AMMAF Sharif Bapu, while UFC Flyweight Champion Joshua Van attended as the Special Guest. During his address, the Chief Minister noted that honoring Joshua “The Fearless” Van—the first-ever UFC Champion from Southeast Asia—was a matter of immense pride. He emphasized the ethnic unity of the Mizo, Chin, and Kuki communities, stating that Joshua stands before the world as a proud representative of their shared family.

Official Results:

  • Featherweight: Lalramsangliana (SPES, MISMA) def. Jeff Diengdoh (HR MMA, Meghalaya) via TKO
  • SuperLightweight: David Lalmalsawma (SPES, MISMA) def. Zacharia (Elite, MISMA) via UD
  • Featherweight: Lalnunmawia (SPES, MISMA) def. Lalruatmawia (Sete acadmy) via RNC
  • Bantamweight: Lalnunsanga (SPES, MISMA) def. Thangsanglian (Genesis, Manipur) via TKO

The event concluded with several local community organizations—CRCM, Chin Community Mizoram, Zofa Global, Zo Reunification Organization, Muaythai Association of Mizoram, and Assam MMA—presenting tokens of appreciation and honors to Joshua.

A distinguished delegation of state leaders joined the stadium crowd to support the event, including Ministers– Lalthansanga, B. Lalchhanzova & Prof. Lalnilawma; Deputy Speaker Lalfamkima; MLAs – Lalmuanpuia Punte, Lt. Col. Clement Lalhmingthanga, and Baryl Vanneihsangi, alongside Central YMA and NGOs.

Local MMA Star Nazareth Secures Historic $100,000 ONE Championship Contract

In another explosive development for Mizo MMA, undefeated local sensation Nazareth Lalthazuala has officially secured a prestigious US$100,000 contract with Asia’s largest martial arts promotion, ONE Championship.

Following three consecutive dominant stoppage wins at ONE Friday Fights, Lalthazuala earned his spot on the exclusive global roster. On the night of June 5, 2026, his exceptional cage performance further won him a $10,000 performance bonus.

Airport Welcome Planned

To celebrate this historic achievement, MISMA has fully sponsored Nazareth’s flight ticket back to the state. He is scheduled to touch down at Lengpui Airport on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, at 11:20 AM. MISMA issued an open invitation to all local combat sports fans, organizations, and supporters to gather at the airport in large numbers to give the undefeated champion a hero’s welcome. 

A Vision for the Future: MISMA Seeks Formal Affiliation

Though currently operating as an unaffiliated organization, MISMA continues to produce international referees like Samuel Lalrozama (a record holder for being the first indian to officiate in an MMA world championship and UFC Fight week); national officials like T. Lalrinpuia (President & Wrestling veteran), Lalthakima (Treasurer & Entrepreneur), Deng Thanchhunga (Technical Chairman & veteran Pro fighter), Lalrinawma (Technical Secretary), Andrew Zonunsanga, Lalchhuanmawia,  K. Lalramchhana & Robert Lalchhuanhlua , and elite professional athletes like Nazareth Lalthazuala, Zarmawia, Lalnunsanga, Lalnunmawia, and Lalramhlimpuii.

What truly sets MISMA apart is the sheer dedication of its leaders. Even the Referees and Judges often work without a salary, generously donating any honorariums they receive back to the association. Driven by contributions from its own management, MISMA hosts state championships and fight nights every year, with the leadership team working through the night to assemble the cage for every single event.

The association noted that obtaining formal affiliation under the Mizoram State Sports Council (MSSC) remains their top priority. They extended an open invitation to the state government to collaborate closely so Mizoram can regularly produce Asian Games medalists and self-sustaining professional fighters.

“Our ultimate vision is to bring a World Champion title home to Mizoram,” said MISMA, thanking Zonet, government bodies especially MSSC (PMJVK) and LESDE & Tourism Department, and their numerous local gym partners and sponsors like Elbruz Combat gym, PMS MMA Academy, East Trends GO East, RK Digitas, RTZ enterprise,  Inkhel.com, Piece of Cake, Thangmawi Pre-School, Andrew Zonunsanga for making this unforgettable week possible.

Add these links:

MISMA: https://www.instagram.com/mmamizoram?igsh=MXcwbnU4aTd4Y3lqMA%3D%3D&utmsource=qr

MMA India: https://www.instagram.com/mmaindia_official?igsh=Z3YyNHp5MmYyY2Rj

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From One Ultrasound Machine to Northeast India’s Most Trusted Diagnostic Network: Teresa Diagnostic Centre Completes 28 Years

Agartala, Tripura | May 2026 — In 1998, a single ultrasound machine in Agartala quietly started what would become one of Northeast India’s most comprehensive diagnostic networks. Twenty-eight years later, Teresa Diagnostic Centre stands as a landmark institution in healthcare — not just for Tripura, but across the entire northeastern region — having brought dozens of first-of-its-kind medical…

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June 5, 2026

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Agartala, Tripura | May 2026 — In 1998, a single ultrasound machine in Agartala quietly started what would become one of Northeast India’s most comprehensive diagnostic networks. Twenty-eight years later, Teresa Diagnostic Centre stands as a landmark institution in healthcare — not just for Tripura, but across the entire northeastern region — having brought dozens of first-of-its-kind medical technologies to communities that had never had access to them before.

Humble Beginnings, Historic Ambitions

It was May 17, 1998, when Teresa Diagnostic Centre opened its doors in Agartala with a mission that was as bold as it was compassionate: to provide world-class diagnostic facilities under one roof for the people of Tripura.

“The vision was always to become the most acclaimed diagnostic centre of this part of the country,” says the founding team — and looking at the journey, that vision has been realised in more ways than one.

The centre started with a single ultrasound machine. Within that same year, an EEG unit was added. By 1999, a modern pathology laboratory and X-ray facility had come online, laying the groundwork for what was to come.

2002: The Year That Changed Tripura’s Healthcare Landscape

If there is one year that truly defined Teresa Diagnostic Centre’s role in the region, it is 2002.

That year, the centre introduced CT Scan, Echocardiography, TMT (Treadmill Test), and Upper GI Endoscopy — all for the very first time in Tripura. For thousands of patients who previously had to travel hundreds of kilometres to Kolkata or Guwahati for advanced diagnostics, this was nothing short of a medical revolution.

For anyone searching for the best CT scan in Agartala, Teresa Diagnostic Centre had established itself as the undisputed pioneer — long before the term “diagnostic hub” was even common vocabulary in this part of the country.

2009: Aastha Diagnostic Centre Expands Diagnostic Services in Tripura

The next milestone came in 2009, when Teresa launched Aastha Diagnostic Centre at Shyamolibazar, Agartala, bringing advanced diagnostic facilities to the people of Tripura. The centre quickly became a trusted destination for quality diagnostic services, helping patients access a wide range of tests within the state.

A major advancement followed in 2021, when Aastha Diagnostic Centre installed the first MRI machine in a private diagnostic centre in Tripura. This was a defining moment for healthcare in the state. Patients suffering from neurological disorders, spinal conditions, and complex soft-tissue injuries no longer had to travel outside Tripura for MRI scans. Since then, Aastha Diagnostic Centre has become a trusted choice for those seeking high-quality MRI services in Agartala.

2019: Expanding Into Eye Care With Teresa Health Care

In 2019, the Teresa family grew once more — this time branching beyond diagnostics into specialised eye care. Teresa Health Care, Agartala was launched with a complete eye care solution for the people of Tripura, equipped with all modern testing instruments and a world-class operation theatre.

The expansion reflected a deepening commitment: healthcare in its fullest sense, not just diagnostics in the conventional meaning.

2024: Taking the Teresa Standard to Silchar, Assam

Growth for Teresa has never been purely about geography — it has always followed need. In 2024, the network extended its services to Silchar, Assam, establishing a facility that spans over 7,000 square feet with a complete, end-to-end diagnostic setup.

Today, this Silchar centre is recognised as the largest diagnostic centre in Silchar — a title that speaks volumes about what Teresa brings to every city it enters.

A Network That Reaches Every Corner of Tripura

Beyond Agartala and Silchar, Teresa Diagnostic Centre has continued to take its services deeper into underserved communities. The network is now active in Udaipur, Dharmanagar, and Kulai, and through a meaningful partnership with the public health system, CT Scan services are available at Unakoti District Hospital, Kailashahar and South Tripura District Hospital, Shantirbazar.

This public-private integration is a testament to the trust the institution has earned — not just from patients, but from the government of Tripura itself.

For patients across the state seeking the best pathology in Agartala or advanced imaging services, Teresa’s network means that quality diagnosis is rarely more than a short drive away.

28th Foundation Day: Introducing the Teresa Health Loyalty Card

To mark its 28th Foundation Day on May 17, 2026, Teresa Diagnostic Centre launched the Teresa Diagnostic Health Loyalty Card — a patient-first initiative that rewards loyalty with tangible healthcare savings.

Cardholders receive a flat 10% discount on all services across any Teresa centre for a full year. For families that rely on regular diagnostics — whether for chronic conditions, preventive health check-ups, or follow-up testing — this card offers meaningful, real-world relief.

It is, in many ways, typical of how Teresa has always operated: growing bigger, yet staying close to the people it serves.

28 Years of Being the Best Diagnostic Centre in Agartala — and Beyond

When people in Tripura and southern Assam search for the best diagnostic center in Agartala, they are not just looking for a lab or a scan centre. They are looking for reliability, accuracy, and care built over decades. Teresa Diagnostic Centre has earned that trust one patient, one test, one breakthrough at a time.

From one ultrasound machine in a small city in 1998 to a multi-city, multi-specialty diagnostic network serving lakhs of patients — this is a story of vision meeting commitment, year after year.

For more information about services, centre locations, or the Teresa Diagnostic Health Loyalty Card, visit teresadiagnosticcentre.com.

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