Indian MMA has witnessed a moment that will be remembered for years. A result that shocked fans, fighters, and experts across the world. An Indian fighter defeating a Dagestani fighter is rare in itself, but the way this fight ended makes it one of the biggest upsets in MMA history.
At APFC India, Niranjan Phanboujam defeated Murad Kurbanov with a brutal first-round ground and pound knockout, sending a strong message that Indian MMA is no longer behind the global scene.
This fight was not just about one win. It was about belief, growth, and breaking long-standing perceptions in mixed martial arts.
The Biggest Upset in MMA History?
Dagestani fighters are known worldwide for their wrestling dominance, toughness, and mental strength. Fighters from this region have built a reputation of being nearly unbeatable on the ground.
Names like Khabib Nurmagomedov and Islam Makhachev have made Dagestan a feared place in MMA.
That is why this fight gained attention even before it began.
Murad Kurbanov is a Dagestani fighter from Makhachkala, the same city as Islam Makhachev.
Many reports and fans believe that Murad has trained in the same gym where Islam trains, or at least under the same system that produces elite Dagestani wrestlers.
Naturally, most people expected Murad to dominate the fight with his grappling.
But MMA is unpredictable, and Niranjan Phanboujam proved that skill, preparation, and mindset can change everything.
APFC India: A Global Stage
The fight took place at APFC India, an event that is quickly gaining global recognition. The event was broadcast worldwide, giving fighters an international platform to showcase their talent.
This was not a small local show. Fighters knew that eyes from all over the world were watching. For Indian MMA, this event was a chance to prove that India can produce world-class mixed martial artists.
Niranjan took that opportunity and turned it into history.
Fight Breakdown: How Niranjan Phanboujam Won
Early Striking Exchanges
As the fight began, both fighters came out calm and focused. They exchanged strikes in the center of the cage.
Niranjan looked confident, composed, and sharp. He did not rush or panic, even against a fighter from a wrestling-heavy background.
Murad Kurbanov tried to test Niranjan with basic striking, but it was clear that his main plan was to take the fight to the ground.
The Takedown Attempt That Changed Everything
As expected, Murad shot for a takedown early in the first round. This is where most people thought the fight would swing in his favor.
But Niranjan surprised everyone.
He defended the takedown perfectly. Using strong balance, awareness, and timing, Niranjan blocked the attempt and forced Murad toward the fence. This moment changed the entire fight.
Dagestani fighters are rarely seen getting stuck on the fence without control. But this time, Murad was the one struggling.
Ground and Pound Like Bombshells
Once Murad was stuck against the fence, Niranjan showed no mercy. He started throwing heavy punches with full power. Each punch landed clean and hard. The shots were fast, accurate, and damaging.
Murad tried to protect himself, but the pressure was too much. The punches looked like bombshells. Within moments, Murad was completely overwhelmed.
The referee had no choice but to step in and stop the fight.
First round knockout. Indian fighter victorious. Dagestani fighter defeated.
Why This Win Is So Important
Breaking the Dagestani Myth
Dagestani fighters are often seen as unbeatable, especially when it comes to wrestling and ground control.
Niranjan did not just survive against a Dagestani fighter; he dominated him in the area where Dagestanis are strongest.
Stopping a takedown and winning by ground and pound against a Dagestani fighter sends a powerful message to the MMA world.
Confidence for Indian Fighters
This win will give massive confidence to the upcoming Indian fighters. For years, Indian fighters were considered underdogs against athletes from Russia, Dagestan, and Central Asia.
Niranjan Phanboujam proved that Indian fighters can compete, dominate, and finish fights against the best.
Global Attention on Indian MMA
Because APFC India was broadcast worldwide, this fight reached an international audience. Matchmakers, promoters, and fans outside India noticed what happened.
Wins like this help Indian MMA get taken seriously on the global stage.
Who Is Niranjan Phanboujam?
Niranjan Phanboujam is a hardworking Indian MMA fighter who has quietly been building his skills over the years.
He represents the new generation of Indian fighters who train professionally, study their opponents, and believe they belong at the highest level.
This victory did not happen by luck. It was the result of preparation, discipline, and a fearless mindset.
Beating a fighter like Murad Kurbanov in the first round shows that Niranjan is not just a local talent. He is a serious contender who deserves bigger opportunities.
Murad Kurbanov: A Tough Fighter, A Shocking Loss
Murad Kurbanov came into this fight with strong expectations. Being from Makhachkala and possibly training in the same environment as Islam Makhachev automatically puts pressure on a fighter to perform.
While this loss is shocking, it does not define Murad’s career. MMA is full of ups and downs. Even the greatest fighters have suffered unexpected defeats.
However, this loss will be remembered as one of the rare moments where a Dagestani fighter was stopped decisively by ground and pound and by an Indian fighter.
Indian MMA Is Growing Fast
This fight is another sign that Indian MMA is moving in the right direction.
In recent years, fighters like Anshul Jubli and Pooja Tomer have already reached the UFC and performed on the biggest stage in the world. Their success opened doors and inspired many young fighters across India.
Now, performances like Niranjan Phanboujam’s win at APFC India show that more Indian fighters are ready to step up.
Better Training and Exposure
Indian fighters are now getting access to:
- Better coaching
- Modern training facilities
- International-level competition
- Global exposure through major events
This combination is producing better athletes who can compete with fighters from traditional MMA powerhouses.
Can We See Niranjan Phanboujam in the UFC?
After a performance like this, the question naturally arises: Is Niranjan Phanboujam UFC material?
While one win does not guarantee a UFC contract, performances like this definitely put a fighter on the radar.
Dominant wins, especially against tough opponents from strong regions like Dagestan, always attract attention.
If Niranjan continues to win and finish fights in this manner, a future opportunity in bigger promotions is very possible.
What This Win Means for the Future
This victory is bigger than one fighter. It represents a shift.
- Indian fighters are no longer just participants
- They are becoming finishers
- They are becoming threats
As Indian MMA continues to grow, more fighters like Niranjan Phanboujam will rise. The gap between India and traditional MMA regions is slowly closing.
Final Thoughts
The night Niranjan Phanboujam defeated Murad Kurbanov will be remembered as a turning point in Indian MMA.
A Dagestani fighter, from the same city as Islam Makhachev, was stopped in the first round by an Indian fighter through ground and pound. This is something few people imagined.
This fight proved that talent exists in India, and with the right support and exposure, Indian fighters can compete with anyone in the world.
Indian MMA is growing fast, and this is only the beginning.
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