Pakistan’s mixed martial arts fighter Maliha Ali has secured an important victory at the IMMAF World Championships in Tbilisi, Georgia.
The 24-year-old defeated Russia’s Veronika Drozdova through a split decision. The victory helped Maliha Ali qualify for the quarterfinals in the women’s featherweight category.
The bout took place in the 65.8kg division. Drozdova, 19, entered the competition as a two-time European champion.
The result marked a significant achievement for Pakistan against a strong Russian team. Russia reportedly brought more than 60 athletes to the tournament. Its team also benefits from government support and substantial funding for mixed martial arts.
Maliha Ali Controls the First Two Rounds
Maliha began the fight cautiously while using a southpaw stance. She gradually gained control during the opening round.
The Pakistani fighter pushed Drozdova towards the cage and landed several clean strikes. However, the Russian opponent responded with powerful overhand left punches.
Maliha increased her pressure in the second round. She successfully secured a takedown and moved into the full mount position.
From there, she delivered several strong strikes from the top. Her performance in the first two rounds played an important role in securing the judges’ decision.
Drozdova recovered during the final round. She managed to take Maliha down and controlled much of the action on the ground.
Although Maliha appeared tired in the third round, her earlier performance proved decisive. The judges awarded her the fight through a split decision.
After the announcement, Maliha celebrated with her team and embraced her opponent. She also performed a prostration of gratitude while carrying the Pakistani flag.
Six-Week Training Camp Helped Prepare the Fighter
Maliha credited her coaches and preparation for the victory. She said the team studied Drozdova’s fighting style before developing a strategy.
The Pakistan MMA Federation had arranged a six-week training camp before the championship. It also hired an international coach specializing in jiu-jitsu and grappling.
Federation President Omar Ahmed said the training addressed weaknesses identified during Maliha’s previous performance in Angola.
Maliha had secured a silver medal at the IMMAF World Cup in Angola earlier this year. She is also a wushu champion and national kickboxing gold medalist.
Ahmed celebrated the victory from Maliha’s corner during the fight. He also highlighted the financial challenges facing Pakistan’s MMA federation.
According to Ahmed, Pakistan competes with fewer resources than several international teams. He described the federation as underfunded compared with countries such as Russia.
He also said private sponsorship funded Pakistan’s participation in last year’s championships in Tbilisi. The team reportedly received no government funding for that campaign.
Maliha Ali to Face Mexican Opponent in Quarterfinals
Following her victory, Maliha will face Mexico’s Andrea Gabriela Guzman Salazar in Wednesday’s quarterfinals.
Her twin sister, Manesha Ali, will also compete on the same day. Manesha previously won gold at the IMMAF World Cup in Luanda.
She is scheduled to face Poland’s Martyna Caruk in her upcoming bout.
Both sisters are aiming to win world titles for Pakistan. Their performances have brought attention to the country’s MMA talent.
In other related news also read Maliha Ali Wins Bronze for Pakistan at the 6th Asian Open Taekwondo Championship
Maliha’s latest victory also highlights the progress of Pakistani fighters on the international stage. She will now look to continue her championship campaign in the quarterfinals.
