Nepal's Rabindra Dhant faces Murdoch in Road to UFC semifinal
Nepal bantamweight Rabindra Dhant faces unbeaten Kasib Murdoch on Friday in the Road to UFC Season 5 semifinal in Shanghai, with a UFC contract within reach. The 10-1 knockout artist known as Bajhang ko Baagh is one win away from becoming the first Nepalese fighter to reach a Road to UFC final. Fans back home hope his trademark Dhantshot can deliver a knockout—and a moment of pride after this week's devastating floods.
Key Takeaways
- Dhant (10-1, eight KOs) meets Kasib Murdoch (8-0) in the bantamweight semifinal on August 28 in Shanghai.
- A victory puts the first Nepalese Road to UFC semifinalist one fight from a UFC contract.
- Semifinals begin at 2:30 p.m. IST on Sony Sports Network and Sony LIV.
- Dhant hopes to lift spirits after flash floods killed hundreds across Nepal on Wednesday.
- He became the first Nepalese fighter to advance through Road to UFC after a May 2026 win in Macau.
Who Is Rabindra Dhant, the Tiger of Bajhang?
Rabindra Dhant was born in Bitthadchir, a remote corner of Nepal's Bajhang district. At 16, he moved to Pithoragarh, India, working as a manual labourer before relocating to New Delhi, where he cleaned offices and served tea while training karate at dawn.
Known as Bajhang ko Baagh—the Tiger of Bajhang—Dhant turned down an offer to fight under another nation's flag, choosing to represent Nepal. Standing 5'9" in the 135-pound bantamweight division, he holds a 10-1 professional record with eight knockout wins and an aggressive finishing style.
In August 2025, he defeated defending champion Chungreng Koren at Matrix Fight Night 17 to become the first Nepalese athlete to win a title in a major professional MMA promotion. He has also competed in ONE Championship, Brave Combat Federation, and Matrix Fight Night.
What Is at Stake Against Kasib Murdoch?
Friday's bout is the fight of Dhant's life. Murdoch, nicknamed Murder, enters at a perfect 8-0 with five knockout wins, two submissions, and one decision. Dhant's coach, Diwiz Piya, says Rabindra has trained rigorously in body and mind and is fully prepared.
At Thursday's faceoff in Shanghai, both fighters smiled and walked away without trash talk—but inside the cage, Dhant will look to land his trademark Dhantshot, a high-impact strike that has spawned memes and even a rap song among fans.
Murdoch brings strong wrestling, grappling, and boxing skills. Dhant's edge lies in early pressure with furious punches and kicks. A win would hand Murdoch his first professional loss and send Dhant to the Road to UFC Season 5 final.
How Can Fans Watch the Road to UFC Semifinal?
The Road to UFC Season 5 semifinals kick off at 2:30 p.m. IST on Friday, August 28, 2026. The card opens with a lightweight bout before Dhant and Murdoch clash in the bantamweight semifinal.
Viewers can watch live on Sony Sports Network or stream the event on the Sony LIV app and website, according to Sportstar.
Why Does This Fight Matter for Nepal Right Now?
Dhant reached the semifinals after a commanding win over the Philippines' Kimbert Alintonzon, following his historic May 28 breakthrough at the Galaxy Arena in Macau—the first time a Nepalese fighter competed in and advanced through the Road to UFC tournament.
His team posted on social media that their hearts go out to Nepal after Wednesday's devastating flash floods left hundreds dead and many missing. Piya wrote they are in Shanghai on a duty to represent and hope to make the country proud.
For more rising stars crossing into global sport, follow our Celebrity Breaking News coverage. As The Kathmandu Post reported, a UFC contract is now within Dhant's grasp—and Nepal is watching.