Aizawl, May 31, 2026: The Mizoram Mixed Martial Arts Association (MISMA) organized the MISMA Fight Night at the R. Dengthuama Indoor Stadium, Mualpui, on Saturday, with Chief Minister Lalduhoma attending as Chief Guest and UFC Flyweight Champion Joshua Van as the Special Guest.
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| Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma presents the Bantamweight Championship Belt to Lalnunsanga of SPES Gym after his TKO victory over Thangsanglian of Genesis Gym, Manipur, during the MISMA Fight Night at R. Dengthuama Indoor Stadium in Aizawl on May 30, 2026. (Image: DIPR Mizoram) |
Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Lalduhoma described Joshua “The Fearless” Van as a source of immense pride for Mizoram and the first UFC champion from Southeast Asia. He said the champion's achievements have strengthened the bonds among the Mizo, Chin, and Kuki communities, whom he described as one ethnic family united by shared heritage and brotherhood.
The Chief Minister highlighted Joshua Van’s professional record of 17 victories, including nine knockouts, saying his success serves as a powerful inspiration for young people. He emphasized that achievements of such magnitude require discipline, perseverance, and mental strength. Lalduhoma also expressed gratitude for receiving an Honorary Black Belt from Shariq Bapu, Senior Vice President of the Asian MMA Federation.
Sports Minister Lalnghinglova Hmar announced that the Ministry of DoNER has approved ₹38 crore under the North East Special Infrastructure Development Scheme (NESIDS-OTRI) for the establishment of a Centre of Excellence for Boxing and Contact Sports in Mizoram. He described the project as a major boost for the state's sports sector.
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In the night's main event, Lalnunsanga of SPES Gym defeated Thangsanglian of Genesis Gym, Manipur, by technical knockout (TKO) to claim the Bantamweight Championship Belt, which was presented by Chief Minister Lalduhoma and Sports Minister Lalnghinglova Hmar.
Joshua Van also addressed the audience and was felicitated by several organizations, including CRCM, Chin Community, Zofa Global, Zoro, the Muay Thai Association of Mizoram, and Assam MMA.
The event was attended by ministers, MLAs, sports officials, representatives of international MMA bodies, and a large gathering of sports enthusiasts.
