Pakistan’s Maliha Ali Beats Russian Fighter to Reach MMA World Championship Quarter-Finals

Pakistan’s Maliha Ali has beaten Russia’s Veronika Drozdova at the IMMAF World Championships in Tbilisi, Georgia. The win came by split decision in their featherweight bout on Tuesday. Drozdova is a two-time European champion and was only 19 years old. Maliha is 24 and comes from Hunza in Gilgit-Baltistan.

How the Fight Went

Maliha fought from a southpaw stance. She started slow in round one, then pinned Drozdova against the cage and landed clean strikes to close the round strong.

In round two, Maliha took the fight to the ground. She landed a takedown, moved into full mount, and struck hard from the top. This was her best round of the fight.

By round three, Maliha had used up a lot of energy. Drozdova took her down and controlled most of the ground action. The judges gave that round to the Russian fighter.

Even so, Maliha’s strong first two rounds were enough. The judges scored the fight in her favour by split decision.

What Happens Next

Maliha moves into the quarter-finals. She will face Mexico’s Andrea Gabriela Guzman Salazar on Wednesday. Her twin sister, Manesha Ali, also fights on the same day, against Poland’s Martyna Caruk. Manesha won gold at the IMMAF World Cup in Angola earlier this year. Maliha took silver at the same event.

Why This Win Matters

Russia sent more than 60 athletes to Tbilisi, with government funding behind its team. Pakistan MMA Federation president Omar Ahmed said Pakistan’s team runs on far less money, calling it one of the least-resourced federations at the event.

Omar said the federation ran a six-week training camp before the championships. They brought in an international jiu-jitsu and grappling coach after spotting weak points in Maliha’s game during her silver-medal run in Angola. He said that work showed in Tuesday’s result.

After the win, Maliha dropped to the mat in prostration, with the Pakistan flag over her shoulders.

Pakistan’s Full Squad at the Championships

The IMMAF World Championships run from November 1 to 7 in Tbilisi. More than 1,000 fighters from over 70 countries are taking part. Pakistan sent a seven-member team:

• Shayan Mehdi (Karachi, strawweight)
• Shams Ur Rehman (Karachi, bantamweight)
• Syed M Qaim Abass (Lahore, super lightweight)
• Saria Khan (Rawalakot/Poonch, atomweight)
• Maliha Ali (Hunza, featherweight)
• Manesha Ali (Hunza, lightweight)
• Hamood Ali Wajid (Lahore, junior super lightweight)