Posts Tagged ‘Pakistani Fighters’

Shah “No Pain” Hussain to be fighting September 11th in the UK

Posted on: September 3rd, 2010 by admin No Comments

MMA Pakistan recently caught up with PAK MMA fighter Shah “No Pain” Hussain while training for his upcoming match up in England on the 11th of September. Although Shah was very busy he did have time to give us a few answers to our questions.

1. Your fight is going to be during Ramadan. How has that effected your training?

a) Yes my fight is not just going to be in ramadhan, but in the UK may fall on Eid day itself!! I kind of misjudged the timing of Ramadhan this year round and normally refrain from any kind of competition around this time of the year. But with the fight being on Sept 11th I have had to observe ramadhan on a part time basis. So training hasnt really been affected at all really.

2. Do you know who your opponent is? Anything you can tell us about him?

a) Yes my opponent is a guy called Ben Abbot who is fighting out of Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire. I believe he has a stand up background in Muay Thai, thats all I know to be honest.

3. Have you made any changes to your training regimen for this upcoming bout?

a) I have seriously been working on my ground game, my Brazilian Jiu Jitsu both with Gi and without. Ive been training my no Gi BJJ with Przemyslaw Mysiala who is no1 ranked Light Heavy Weight in the UK at the moment at London Shootfighters and Im really enjoying the grappling element of MMA at the moment. Im even considering competing in some BJJ bouts in the near future!
Other than that Ive still been keeping up with my strength and conditioning, cardio and sparring with my team mates Denniston ‘mad max’ Sutherland and my coach David Lee. As its MMA and everything has to be worked on Im afraid!!

4. You will be donating 100% of your fight purse to the Pakistani flood victims, what motivated you to make such a sacrifice?

a) I decided to donate all my fight purse, ticket commission, sponsership money etc to the flood victims of Pakistan as firstly being Pakistani I felt a need to naturally do something, and it just broke my heart seeing pictures and videos on the News every day of the devastation caused by the monsoon, the death toll and on top of that it is the month of Ramadhan and for people going through all the suffering. Its just horrible to think that the world isnt doing enough for these people in desperate need at this moment in time. My prayers and thoughts go to all those affected and involved. God is great and I hope he shows mercy upon those affected. On Sept 11th I shall be fighting for all those victims.

5. Will Pakistani fans be able to watch the fight anyway?

Yes Pakistani fans will be able to watch the fight on www.theactivechannel.com under the fighting section it will be broadcasted usually a couple of weeks after the show on Sky digital channel 281 (The active channel) formerly known as LA Muscle TV

I am also fighting on the 25th of September on a big show called BAMMA 4 which will highlight Alex Reid Vs Tom Watson.
Im fighting on the undercard slot and against a guy called Tom Breese who is making his Pro debut after a successful 8-0-0 at semi pro, so hard work will continue after Kayo MMA on the 11th, no rest for me!!

BAMMA 4 will be shown a week after the show on Bravo channel on sky digital and hopefully they may show the fight.

Other than that, I’ll probably do a training camp out in the USA or in Thailand end of year / early next year and to just keep training and improving.

I also want to give my congratulations to PAK MMA and Shaheen MMA Academy for getting a good spread in last months Fighters Only magazine (I have my copy) and was so pleased to see the article on the rise of MMA in Pakistan and with the mention of future stars. This definately has made an impression on people over here in the UK as a few people had mentioned it to me and were surprised that MMA was actually taking off in Pakistan.

MMA in Pakistan may be a new entity, but I dont think, I KNOW that a Pakistani will be up there and amongst the very best in the world in the future. Just keep training folks and spread the word….

Why I Fight – Haider “Robocop” Qayyum

Posted on: July 6th, 2010 by admin 7 Comments

Most people take things slow in the fight-game. They train for a year or so, then have some
amateur fights, maybe change gyms and then maybe…in the rare instance that they can break
the ,monotony and social stigmas around them, they go professional.

I dove head-first into professional combat sports. Training for a few months before my Thai
Boxing debut in Phuket,Thailand and that lack of experience and know-how showing in the ring.
I fought an Australian , Taizo Hughes, who had several fights at local stadiums and was from
a pretty hardcore gym. Taizo battered me for the first three rounds of our fight. Leg kicks, head
kicks, hooks…its was a massacre. Both of my eyes were swollen shut and my nose trickling
blood down my throat, which I have to say wasn’t the most pleasant of tastes. The fourth round
begins and I notice Taizo is starting to tire and I…being the naïve seventeen year old I was at
the time decided to throw a spinning back-fist.

Guess what? It landed.

Taizo was knocked down and got up after an eight count but I knew the fight was over as
I chased him to a corner and the referee stopped the bout due to “Technical Knock Out “.
Why was that story necessary? Because at the end of those three rounds of getting my
ass beat, I was happier than I’d ever been. Standing half-naked and sweaty infront of
a crowd of people I’d never met, all of them judging my poor technique and wondering
why I hadn’t gone down yet. Covered in blood and sweat…I had finally found my calling.
So why do I fight ? Is it because I have family problems or because I was bullied in school? Is it
because I’m too stupid to get a desk job or go to college?

I don’t know to be quite honest. I think its because there’s something inherently wrong with
the way I function. My brain works differently. I like getting punched in the fucking face
and I like smiling at the guy who’s doing it. I like pushing myself in training to the brink of
unconsciousness and then doing it again the next day.

Lots of people I know who are involved with combat sports from boxing to Mixed Martial
Arts insist on calling themselves Martial Artists or “students of the game” . As pretentious
and crazy as it sounds… I am not a martial artist or a student of any game. I’m a crazy
person who learns how to hit people different ways and then goes does it and gets paid.
Why do I like to make my living from getting punched in the face?

I’ll tell you why. Because everyone said I couldn’t do it. They said I was crazy and that one day
I’d have to get a real job. I think I don’t fight for the right reasons, or ones that entirely make
sense but I do know that nothing has ever made me happier than staring across the ring at
someone, blood smeared face and smiling. Letting them know that you’re coming and not done
getting your face beat just yet.

While this was supposed to be an informative article for Mixed Martial Arts Pakistan , I think its
turned into a confessional.

My name is Haider Qayyum, I’m a professional fighter and I like punching things.

Changes made in upcoming spring schedule

Posted on: April 26th, 2010 by admin No Comments

The May 16th scheduled Pakistan Warrior Challenge (PWC) has been canceled and has now been changed to a Shaheen Smoker. The next PWC is still to be announced and there is no scheduled tentative date as of yet.

The upcoming Shaheen Smoker may also include kick boxing and grappling matches if willing participants are founds.

In other news, Shaheen MMA Academy should officially open in time for the Shaheen Smoker.

To get a better idea of what is going on behind the scenes please read the blog entry by PAK-MMA President and Owner of Shaheen MMA Academy, Bashir Ahmad

Read it HERE

First Mixed Martial Arts Competition in Pakistan a success!

Posted on: March 1st, 2010 by admin 3 Comments

The first amateur Mixed martial Arts Pakistan was a huge success. Fighters from all over Pakistan met at Whites Sports Club in Model Town Lahore for a great day of fight. There were a total of 14 fights on the card ranging from under 15 fights to fights between high level black belts. There was a great degree of sportsmanship and camaraderie and all were friends at the end of the day. All those who fought were given an official MMA Pakistan Amateur Fight Record card. This card will record the first 5 fights an amateur has. After the 5th fight the fighter will be given the opportunity to fight for prize money and will be given discounts on training and training supplies when possible. The next fights are scheduled for early April and will be (hopefully) taking place in Islamabad. Fighters who are interested can begin to register now. Please email fighter@pak-mma.com if you would like to take part. A special thanks to all those who attended this weekends event and a special thanks to the fighters and those who helped organize. Please stay tuned for a HL video to be released tomorrow March 2nd.

Mixed Martial Arts Competition to be Held in Lahore

Posted on: February 6th, 2010 by admin 17 Comments

Mixed Martial Arts Pakistan is happy to inform everyone that the very first MMA competition in Pakistan will be held on the 28th of February at the White Sports Club in Model Town. Details are currently being finalized but here is a breakdown of the current format in which the tournament is to be held.

- Competition will NOT be tournament format. Each fighter will fight only once in a match lasting 3 rounds of 3 minutes with one minute break in between.

- Fighters will be paired according to weight and experience. Weight classes are as follows:

1) 45-50 kg
2) 50-55 kg
3) 55-60 kg
4) 60-65 kg
5) 65-70 kg
6) 70-75 kg
7) 75-80 kg
8) 80-85 kg
9) 85-90 kg
10) 90+ kg

Experience will be noted as follows:

1-3 years – Novice
3-5 years – Intermediate
5 + years – Advanced

- Full MMA rules EXCEPT no elbows to the face. All other rules are the same as the UFC. Rules will be explained a number of times in details to fighters participating in the competition.

- Protective equipment will be provided and worn to include groin cup, MMA sparring gloves, Head guards and shin guards. Mouth piece is to be the responsibility of the fighter.

- There will be an entry fee of 200 rs. Entry fee will cover the costs of shirts given to fighters, medical personnel fees and refreshments.

- There will be a medically trained personnel in case of injury.

- All fighters above the age of 18 who participate will automatically be applied for Fite Selektor TV show selection.

- If a fight is not ended due to submission, TKO or KO and lasts the full 3 rounds then it will automatically be considered a draw due to a lack of knowledge regarding MMA judging at the moment. This will change in future events.

- Individuals can take part in the competition as part of a club, team or as an independent (no affiliation).

These are some of the main points so far. The last piece of information and critical to the success of this show is that in order to make match ups as fair as possible there will be trials held on 21st February, 12 pm at:

White Sports Club
E and F Block Model Town
Lahore

Trials will help determine fighters skill levels in order to have the most competitive possible match ups. Those who attend trials will benefit from knowing who their opponent will be as well as have their picture and profile taken to be posted on the site.

Mixed Martial Arts Pakistan looks forward to seeing you all there. Please stay tuned for further updates.

Anyone who would like to participate please email info@pak-mma.com we have received complaints that the email is not working and if you do not receive a reply within 24 hours please leave a comment with your email and we will respond immediately.

Thanks!

PTV Seminar (with video)

Posted on: January 23rd, 2010 by admin No Comments

Apologies for the late delivery of this article. The website was down for almost a week and just got back online.

On January 17th, at Sukh Chan Wellness club in Gulberg, Lahore Mixed Martial Arts Pakistan partnered with Fite Selektor to hold an MMA seminar for Pakistan Television. The purpose of the seminar was to educate the Pakistani audience on what Mixed Martial Arts is as well as let everyone know that there is a reality show taking place and that we are looking for as many applicants as possible.

The exercise studio at Sukh Chan had about 40-50 people during the shooting. People from all walks of life attended the seminar ranging from domestic workers to those working for international firms. Children just starting their martial training were in the crowd alongside some of the top Martial Artists in the country.

The seminar dealt with the history of modern MMA, what MMA is (a form of competition), the sports rules and the latest news regarding Fite Selektor Reality Show. This was the first part of the seminar, the second part of the seminar had players from various Martial Arts put on demos ranging from Kata’s to light sparring. With each demonstration Mixed Martial Arts Pakistan gave commentary and analysis about what was going on as well as how each style contributes to MMA.

After the demo’s there was a wrap up where Mixed Martial Arts Pakistan summarized the days events and ended with the conclusion that there was a lot of talent in Pakistan that just needed a platform and outlet to be recognized. Fite Selektor is helping make that happen. Then came the issue of wether or not pakistan is ready for such a new sporting event in light of the current situation. MMA Pakistan is of the opinion that Pakistani’s just want to go on with their lives as they normally do, and this sport has such potential in the country that the current security situation will not pose an obstacle in it’s path to supreme popularity.

A special thanks goes out to all those who attended particularly those instructors who came with their students. Thanks, Shahbaz Ali Khan, Shafiq Awan and Aamir Butt for attending and to all your students. Thanks to all those who performed at the seminar helping make it the success it was.

Next up on the MMA Pakistan agenda is continuing to look for fighters from all around Pakistan to compete in Fite Selektor and to begin organizing an amateur MMA event in Model Town Lahore on the 14th of February. Details regarding this will be announced in the coming weeks. Those who want to fight please contact info@pak-mma.com or call 0334 413 7706.

Those who wish to take part in Fite Selektor please send the following information to info@pak-mma.com

Name -

Age -

Location-

Weight -

Experience -

Phone Number -

PICTURE in fighting stance -

Please keep yourself updated and take some time to look around the website and watch how MMA has developed in Pakistan! MMA Pakistan the original origin and destination of all things Mixed Martial Arts in Pakistan!

Enjoy the video.

UFC sells 10% minority stake to Adu Dhabi Company (and what it could mean for MMA in Pakistan)

Posted on: January 14th, 2010 by admin No Comments

Zuffa LLC, the company that owns the largest Mixed Martial Arts promotion in the world, The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) recently sold a 10% stake to Abu Dhabi based company, Flash Entertainment. This has made HUGE headlines in the MMA world because the UFC is known to be very restrictive on whom it does business with and guards the running of it’s company very closely.

The recent deal between Zuffa and Flash entertainment is the first step the UFC is taking in marketing its Mixed Martial Arts promotion to a truly global audience. Dana White, the president of the UFC has said that he forsees the sport of MMA becoming bigger than football around the globe. Will that happen? Maybe, maybe not. But even if it get remotely close that is a grand achievement.

Flash Entertainment has the networks and connections in the Middle East and Asia as well as a better cultural understanding of the countries in it’s sphere to bring the UFC into the mainstream to a whole new audience.

So what does this mean for Pakistan?

Right now this means that in the coming years, there are going to be more organizations like Fite Selektor looking to break into the Pakistani and South Asian market. This move by the UFC sends out a big message to all those already trying to get involved in this mega sports industry.

Get ready to start seeing more UFC cards on Pakistani channels, particularly those based in the UAE. Get ready to start seeing direct UFC involvement in MMA promotion in India and by proxy, Pakistan.

So all you martial artists in Pakistan who have spent your lives earning black belt after belt and competing in any tournament you can find for a plastic trophy keep training hard.  The days of plastic trophies and a pat on the back will be over in exchange for sponsorships and cash prizes so that you can train full time as professionals.

Mixed Martial Arts will be here at the forefront bringing you the latest updates regarding MMA in the area as well as serving as a central point for Martial Artists and combat athletes of Pakistan to get together, work together, share ideas and become a nation known for producing some of the world’s top fighters.

That being said, let’s keep the Fite Selektor applications coming. More applicants will be showcased on our site in the coming days.

For those who live in Lahore, on Sunday, January 17th there will be a MMA seminar at Sukh Chan Wellness club in Gulberg at 4:30 pm. The seminar will answer all your questions about MMA. There will be some ground techniques covered and we can also accept applicants for Fite Selektor.

Look forward to seeing you there!

A day with “No Pain”

Posted on: January 4th, 2010 by admin No Comments

Mixed Martial Arts Pakistan got to spend the day with Pakistani MMA fighter Shah “No Pain” Hussain in his hometown of Slough outside of London fifteen minutes from Heathrow airport. Over a traditional English meal Shah told Mixed Martial Arts Pakistan how he became a fighter, his future goals and hopes for MMA in Pakistan. Later on Pak-MMA got a chance to check out Shah’s training camp under UFC veteran David Lee.

Shah Hussain is doing what many of us are afraid to do. I am not talking about getting into a cage against an equally dangerous opponent and facing off, although that is definitely part of the equation. What I mean is that Shah is not afraid to follow his dreams and do what needs to be done in order to get where he wants to be. And where he wants to be is at the top of food chain, first in the UK, then in Europe and then when the time is right be ranked among the worlds best fighters.

Shah didn’t take the road most fighters do on their way to the top by fighting at an amateur level first. He went straight into the deep end going pro for his very first fight. After weeks of preparation he arrived at the venue to find out that his opponent had backed out. Shah was shattered, he could deal with the frustration of having had to put all those hours of training at the gym for nothing but he couldn’t get over the thought that all the people who had to come to him for support, his friends and his family would have to drive home disappointed. At the last moment however, someone elses opponent ALSO dropped out but this person was one weight class higher than Shah and it was not his first fight. Seeing the opportunity to give back to all those who supported him, Shah took the fight, lost a war but found out that pursuing a career as a Mixed Martial Arts competitor was what he wanted to do.

It was at that moment that the priorities in Shah’s life changed. He was always fascinated with combat sports such as boxing and martial arts but to live the dream was another story. However, when starting out a career as a professional athlete, one realizes that training like the pros takes time and money. And so Shah trains as a professional Mixed Martial Artist while at the same time running a successful personal protection business (aka Bodyguard). He has protected individuals ranging from the latest Bollywood stars to American singers like Mariah Carey. He trains out of team Cross Face under UFC fighter David Lee. David Lee debuted in the UFC against light weight contender Tyson Griffin and is one of the top fighters in the UK today.

Mixed Martial Arts Pakistan got a chance to check out one of David Lee’s training sessions and they are a non stop barrage of strikes, take downs and sprawls. There is no rest as fighters take turns churning out a grueling pace for over 30 straight minutes. Despite the cold, the training room felt like a sauna. Needless to say, conditioning does not seem like it will ever be one of the weak points in Shah’s game. Shah trains daily, taking care to fine tune both his technical skills as well as his physical tools.

Shah hopes that Mixed Martial Arts in Pakistan will take off as he echoing many other Pakistani’s state that Pakistan has the raw talent for MMA. Mixed Martial Arts the sport just needs more exposure and believes that the Fite Selektor reality show will prove to be very beneficial in this regard.

After getting a chance to spend the whole day with Shah Mixed Martial Arts Pakistan came away feeling like the sport of MMA was going to catch on among Pakistanis youths both living within Pakistan and those who are located overseas. It will be fighters like Shah “No Pain” Hussain who are going to be paving the way for future champions.

Be on the look out for more updates on Shah “No Pain” Hussain coming soon!

Trip to Lahore Akhara (with video)

Posted on: December 25th, 2009 by admin 4 Comments

Mixed Martial Arts Pakistan visited the famous Akharas of Lahore in a Fite Selektor recruitment drive. The Pehlwans of Pakistan hold great promise as International Champions of MMA with education regarding the sport and cross training in other arts to round out their own existing ones. They are also in great shape and great care is taken to regiment their training and diets. They train twice a day and eat up to 500 rs worth of food daily to maintain their strength.

Mixed Martial Arts Pakistan got the chance to visit the home of Bashir Bohla Bhala on the back side of Lahore Fort, Bhamma Pehlwans Akhara, the largest Akhara of the area. For those who follow the local wrestling scene Bashir Bhola Bhala is currently at the top of the food chain throughout Pakistan having recently won another Championship. The Akhara houses about 2 dozen wrestlers and training sessions are watched by a number of former wrestlers who comment and advise throughout training.

Mixed Martial Arts Pakistan discussed MMA competition with the Ustads (teachers) and athletes of the Akhara. Mixed Martial Arts Pakistan looks forward to further working with the wrestlers of Pakistan to strengthen our traditional sports and to provide fame for Pakistan through international MMA competition.

Please watch the video below for some footage of our trip to the Akhara and don’t forget to spread the word and sign up for Fite Selektor. Keep yourself posted for more updates regarding Mixed Martial Arts in Pakistan.

Latest News

Posted on: December 4th, 2009 by admin 11 Comments

A lot is going to be happening with Mixed Martial Arts Pakistan in the  coming weeks, so everyone stay tuned and be active.

An instructor is available in Lahore for those wanting to learn Mixed Martial Arts. BJJ, Muay Thai or Boxing. Please do not expect a reply regarding any other martial. These are the only ones available. Please call 0334 413 7036

Grappling will be held soon in Model Town Park by Link Road. For those who can attend please send an SMS to 0334 413 7706 or email info@pak-mma.com. First session aimed for Sunday afternoon in Model Town Park.

Press conference from PTV regarding fite selektor. Please watch video below

If anyone wishes to compete in fite selektor please mail the following information along with PICTURE IN FIGHTING STANCE to info@pak-mma.com

Name
* Age
* Weight in KGs (Minimum Requirement 70 kgs)
* Height
* Experience in Years
* Style
* Wins / Loses / KOs
* email
* Phone
Referal Person

Please send all information by Dec 15th! Thanks.

We will also have the latest interview with Shah Hussain up in a few days. We apologize for the delay.