From the serene valleys of Pulwama, Jammu and Kashmir, a young athlete is rewriting the story of sports in the region — Owais Yaqoob. Widely regarded as Kashmir’s first professional MMA fighter, Owais has not only represented India on the international stage but has also become a source of profound inspiration for countless aspiring athletes in the Valley. His journey from a small village to the global MMA arena is a story of profound dedication, unwavering resilience, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.
From Village Roots to a Decorated Martial Artist
Born and raised in the humble village of Muran, Pulwama, a region known for its natural beauty and sprawling apple orchards, Owais was drawn to physical activity from an early age. His journey in combat sports began in 2012 with Thang Ta, a traditional Manipuri martial art focused on striking and discipline. He soon transitioned to Taekwondo, a sport that would form the foundation of his decorated amateur career.
Over the next decade, Owais built a resume that few could match, amassing an impressive collection of accolades:
11 Gold Medals and 6 Silver Medals at national-level competitions.
17 Gold Medals at the Union Territory level.
The prestigious “Best Fighter Boy” and “Champion of Champions” awards in 2018 at a national competition featuring participants from 28 states.
Beyond Taekwondo, Owais showcased his versatility by representing India in Eskrima, the Filipino martial art of stick fighting. He proudly secured a Bronze Medal at the WEKAF (World Eskrima Kali Arnis Federation) World Championship in the Philippines in July 2022, a testament to his world-class skill across multiple disciplines.
Transition to MMA: Inspired by a Legend
The pivotal turning point in Owais's career came in 2018, when he watched a televised bout featuring UFC superstar Khabib Nurmagomedov. Inspired by the Dagestani champion's dominance and holistic fighting style, he made the monumental decision to transition to mixed martial arts. Before turning professional, he proved his potential by winning three national amateur MMA titles, demonstrating his ability to adapt to the new sport's demands.
To prepare for the professional stage, Owais undertook a rigorous and diverse training regimen across the globe:
Chandigarh, India: He underwent intensive sessions to master grappling, wrestling, and ground techniques.
Sumo Fight Club, Indonesia: He refined his striking, footwork, and tactical fight strategies.
Dagestan, Russia: In what he describes as a life-changing experience, he trained at the legendary Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov School, learning directly from elite fighters like Khabib Nurmagomedov and current UFC Lightweight Champion Islam Makhachev. This exposure allowed him to develop a well-rounded and high-pressure fighting style.
Professional Career
Owais Yaqoob's professional MMA journey is a testament to his resilience and determination. His official record stands at 4 wins and 1 loss.
MFN 11, New Delhi – March 31, 2023: Owais made his highly anticipated professional debut against Neeraj Panghal. In a hard-fought battle, he suffered his only career loss via a third-round Submission (Guillotine Choke). The setback only hardened his resolve.
MFN 14, New Delhi – March 9, 2024: After a nearly year-long hiatus to refine his skills, Owais returned with a vengeance. He defeated Mohammad Azim Mokhlis of Afghanistan via a unanimous decision, marking his first professional win and his first victory against an international opponent on a major Indian promotion.
Naiza Fighting Championship, Kazakhstan – December 21, 2024: Owais proved his ability to perform on the global stage, securing another unanimous decision victory over Amanzhol Khaisa. This win strengthened his reputation and showed that his success was not limited to his home country.
Veswa Fighting Championship 4, India – April 19, 2025: Back on Indian soil, Owais faced Pratik Sadashiv Shetty, defeating him via a second-round TKO (Punches), showcasing his evolving power and striking ability.
BRAVE CF 98, China – September 19, 2025: In his most remarkable achievement to date, Owais made his debut in BRAVE Combat Federation, one of the world's leading MMA promotions. He put on a dominant performance, defeating Filipino fighter Ian Paul “Choco” Lora via TKO (Submission to Punches) in the first round. The victory not only solidified his status as a rising global star but also made him the first Kashmiri fighter to compete and win in BRAVE CF.
A Mentor and Community Leader
Owais's impact extends far beyond his own fighting career. He is a passionate mentor and a beacon of hope for Kashmir's youth. He founded the Lion’s Den Martial Arts Academy in Pulwama, where he trains over 40 aspiring fighters. Under his tutelage, many of his students have already won national-level medals, carrying his legacy forward.
His academy serves as a constructive and positive outlet, promoting self-discipline, physical fitness, and mental toughness. Owais uses his platform to inspire young people to stay away from negative influences and channel their energy into sports.
Dreaming of the UFC
Owais has publicly stated that his ultimate goal is to compete in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), widely considered the pinnacle of mixed martial arts. He continues to train internationally, pushing his limits and refining his skills, with the dream of becoming a UFC champion and bringing global recognition to his homeland.
A Symbol of Hope
Owais Yaqoob’s journey from Pulwama’s orchards to the bright lights of international MMA arenas is a powerful narrative of vision and determination. As a pioneer, a mentor, and a world-class athlete, he demonstrates that with hard work and unwavering passion, individuals from even the most remote regions can achieve extraordinary success. Owais's story is more than a sports journey—it is a symbol of hope and resilience for Kashmir’s youth and a testament to the fact that with enough courage, any barrier can be broken.