Bakhat Muhammad, a humble tea vendor from Soldier Bazar in Karachi, has captured the attention of the international MMA scene with his recent victory at the Fight Night event in Tehran.
Having honed his MMA skills at the Proficient Academy in Karachi since 2019, Muhammad embarked on a journey into international competitions. His first taste of success came in Khost, Afghanistan, in August 2021, where he defeated Ibrahim Muhammadi (65 kg) at the Khatri Fight Night (KFN) organized by the Afghan government.
Continuing his winning streak, Muhammad claimed victory at the Asian Fight Night in Peshawar, triumphing over his 65-kg opponent, Umer. His most recent triumph came at the Fight Night in Tehran, where he secured the title after a thrilling match against Qasim Rahemi.
Despite his numerous national victories, including the National Fight Tournament, Karachi Cage Fight League, Kick Boxing Fight, Kick Boxing Quetta, and Liyari Youth Fight, Muhammad faces challenges in securing sponsorships for international competitions.
Muhammad sheds light on the hurdles of finding sponsors in a country where MMA awareness is limited. He emphasizes the need to educate people about the sport’s merits and health benefits.
The athlete recounts his struggles with sponsorship, often having to approach multiple individuals for support. Despite facing rejections, Muhammad found support from local businessman Shoib Buth, Niamat Allah Emat, the Changazi Group, and some clubs.
Muhammad highlights the ease of financing available for local-level competitions through clubs and organizers, contrasting it with the challenges posed by visa and immigration issues for international tournaments.
Alongside his MMA pursuits, Muhammad is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Software Engineering at Ilma University Karachi. Despite hailing from a middle-class family, the 27-year-old diligently works at a tea shop to cover expenses related to his studies, family, and MMA club.
Muhammad’s daily routine is a testament to his dedication, starting at 5 am at the tea shop, followed by MMA practice at 3 pm, university classes at 5 pm, and concluding his day at midnight. Although financially unsupported by his family, Muhammad values their unwavering moral and psychological encouragement.
Expressing disappointment in the government’s cricket-centric focus, Muhammad calls for greater attention to be given to other sports to harness the talents of athletes like himself. He urges the government to provide facilities and support for athletes to shine on the international stage, highlighting the immense mental and physical benefits that sports bring to individuals and the nation. Muhammad remains committed to representing his country in MMA and encourages youth to actively participate in physical activities for personal growth and national pride.
