Desk Report:
The second edition of the international combat sports competition, ‘Zulkan Fighting Championship’ (ZFC)—titled ‘ZFC 2: Pride of Bangladesh’—took place at the Zulkan Indoor Arena within the capital’s Bashundhara Sports City.
Organized by Tanvir Bashundhara Group (TBG), the championship featured thrilling bouts in Thai boxing (Muay Thai), traditional boxing, Mixed Martial Arts (MMA), and—for the first time in the country’s history—bare-knuckle boxing. Ahmed Ibrahim Sobhan, Managing Director of Tanvir Bashundhara Group, and Emil Ahmed Sobhan, Managing Director of Sanvir Bashundhara Group, enjoyed the matches from the spectator gallery.
Young and emerging Bangladeshi athletes faced off against experienced fighters from the global stage in multiple bouts, including five main title fights, as part of the ‘Zulkan Fighting Championship’.
A New Chapter in Bare-Knuckle Boxing
The main attraction of the event was the debut of ‘bare-knuckle boxing’ in Bangladesh. In this special, thrilling three-round bout fought without gloves, world-renowned American fighter Will Chope faced Iran’s Mostafa Ashouri. American Will Chope emerged victorious in this fiercely contested match. This bout marked the beginning of a new professional era for combat sports in the country.
Results of Title and International Bouts
ZFC Muay Thai Championship: Bangladesh’s Muhammad Rashed claimed the title by defeating Malaysia’s Erwandi Kalai.
International Bout: Bangladesh’s Manjur Alam secured a victory by defeating the Philippines’ Philipas Ranga. Other Bouts: In the WMO Asia Muay Thai Championship, Bangladesh’s Masjidul Reza Omi emerged victorious against Thailand’s Thanapat Titham.
Additionally, at the ZFC Boxing Championship, Bangladesh’s Sura Krishna Chakma won his bout against Indonesia’s Kundimang. Meanwhile, Singapore’s Sean Raphael Sunny secured a victory by defeating Bangladesh’s Sirajul Rabbi.
Beyond the sporting action, the stands were graced by a colorful presence of stars from the entertainment world. Actors from the popular local series ‘Bachelor Point’—Ziaul Hoque Polash, Marzuk Russell, Chashi Alam, and Musafir Syed Bachchu—along with director Kajal Arefin Omi, were present to cheer on the competitors.
Actress Tasnia Farin, musician Zefar Rahman, presenter Rafsan Shabab, and leading social media influencers from the country also attended the event to enjoy the fights.
Bangladesh’s Potential on the Global Stage
Following the successful conclusion of ‘ZFC 1: The Takeover’ last April, this second edition has propelled the country’s combat sports scene another step forward. Centered at Bashundhara Sports City, such international events are not only creating professional opportunities for local fighters but are also introducing Bangladesh anew on the global sports map. Organizers expressed optimism that this surge in combat sports—moving beyond traditional disciplines—will serve as a powerful platform to propel the youth onto the international stage.
