Guwahati: Manipur will host a two-day mixed martial arts (MMA) fight night in early April, with professional bouts scheduled for April 4, as part of an initiative to provide a competitive platform for fighters from the Northeast.

The event, titled “Manipur Pride MMA: The Rise of Warriors 1,” is being organised by BonJovi MMA and Fitness. Organisers said the programme will open on April 3 with amateur contests, followed by professional fights on the second day.

Addressing a press conference here, event director Rangam Chiru said the focus is on giving Manipur-based fighters exposure to structured and high-level competition, which many currently lack.

“The idea is to bridge the gap between amateur circuits and professional MMA, while also creating opportunities for fighters to move on to national and international tournaments,” Chiru said.

Fighters from other Northeastern states are also expected to compete, making the event a regional contest rather than a Manipur-only meet. Organisers described it as among the largest MMA fight cards planned in the state in recent years.

Local MMA fighter Nongmaithem BonJovi said athletes in Manipur often face challenges due to limited access to technical coaching, structured mentorship and institutional backing. He said the event would double as a learning platform by exposing local fighters to professional standards and international-level competition.

Organisers said fighter screening and selection would be conducted about a week ahead of the event, with both amateur and professional athletes set to feature on the fight card.

They added that the April fight night reflects the growing popularity of mixed martial arts in Manipur, a state nationally known for producing boxers and other combat sports athletes, and points to the gradual expansion of organised MMA in the region.

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