Pakistan’s Manesha Ali Wins Gold at IMMAF World Cup

Pakistani MMA fighter Manesha Ali has won a gold medal at the International Mixed Martial Arts Federation (IMMAF) World Cup in Luanda, Angola, after defeating Angola’s Leonela Isabel Blaiye by submission in the second round.

According to the Pakistan MMA Federation, Manesha secured the victory with just 15 seconds remaining in the round.

Blaiye had charged forward with a barrage of punches in the closing stages, but Manesha caught her in a standing guillotine to force the submission.

The fighter, who hails from Gilgit-Baltistan and trains at Brave Gym Lahore, celebrated the victory by roaring before dropping to her knees. Her sister Maleeha, who was watching from the crowd, joined in the celebration as an emotional Manesha had her hand raised.

The tournament featured 15 top-ranked teams from around the world and brought together some of the strongest amateur MMA fighters.

Manesha will now turn her attention to the Pakistan Open before competing at the IMMAF World Championships in Georgia, which begin on November 1.

“I believe completely in my training and in the mentorship of Omar Ahmed,” Manesha said in a statement released by the Pakistan MMA Federation.

“In less than a year, I have developed enormously as a fighter, but this is only one step. My eyes are now firmly set on the IMMAF World Championships in Georgia. The goal is to become world champion in IMMAF and be the first Pakistani female fighter in UFC.”

Pakistan MMA Federation chief Omar Ahmed said the achievement made the difficulties of running the sport in the country worthwhile.

“Running a sports federation in Pakistan is extremely tough. There are policy challenges, administrative hurdles and obstacles at almost every stage,” he said.

“But when you see one of our kids standing on top of an international podium, the Pakistan flag going up and the national anthem playing, everything becomes worth it. There is no better feeling.”