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 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