Greater Noida, May 3, 2026: Arunachal Pradesh mixed martial arts star Sonam Zomba successfully defended her MFN Strawweight World Championship title with a commanding second-round submission victory over Brazil’s Maristela Alves at Matrix Fight Night (MFN) 18, held at the Shaheed Vijay Singh Pathik Sports Complex in Greater Noida.
 |
| Arunachal Pradesh MMA fighter Sonam Zomba. (File Photo) |
The highly anticipated title bout served as the main event of the evening and showcased the skill, determination, and composure of one of India’s leading MMA athletes. Competing before an enthusiastic crowd, Zomba delivered a disciplined and technically impressive performance to retain her world title and further strengthen her position among the top strawweight fighters in the country.
The opening round witnessed a competitive contest, with both fighters exchanging strikes and testing each other’s strengths. However, the Tawang-born champion gradually began to dictate the pace of the fight through her superior grappling and tactical approach.
In the second round, Zomba capitalized on a successful ground transition and quickly moved into a dominant position. Displaying excellent technique and control, she secured a perfectly executed armbar submission, forcing Alves to tap out and bringing the contest to an emphatic conclusion.
With the victory, Zomba completed her first successful title defence and improved her professional mixed martial arts record to eight wins and one loss. The win further cements her reputation as one of India’s most accomplished women fighters and a rising force in international MMA.
Her balanced combination of striking, wrestling, and submission skills throughout the bout reflected the rapid growth of India’s women’s MMA scene. Sports analysts and fans alike hailed her performance as another milestone in the development of the sport in the country.
ALSO READ: Dr. Joram Aniya Appointed Full-Time Member of NITI Aayog; CM Pema Khandu Congratulates
Congratulating the champion, Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu praised Zomba for her outstanding achievement and described her as a symbol of excellence and determination. He said her success continues to inspire young athletes across Arunachal Pradesh and India.
“Sonam’s journey reflects perseverance, hard work, and the courage to break barriers. She has brought immense pride to Arunachal Pradesh and the nation while helping elevate Indian MMA on the global stage,” Khandu said.
Zomba’s latest triumph marks another significant achievement for Arunachal Pradesh in combat sports. Her success is expected to inspire a new generation of athletes from the Northeast to pursue careers in mixed martial arts and represent India at the highest levels of international competition.
As she continues her remarkable journey, Sonam Zomba remains a shining example of dedication, resilience, and sporting excellence, carrying the hopes of Indian MMA fans into the future.
