K. Jahangir
LAHORE: Pakistan Mixed Martial Arts Federation (PAKMMAF) has launched the ACTIVIT Contender Series, a high-performance competition platform designed to provide the country’s elite fighters with regular top-level competition and accelerate their journey towards international success.
Backed by ACTIVIT and its Chief Executive Officer Rd. Rizwan Aftab Ahmed, the initiative represents a major step in strengthening Pakistan’s rapidly expanding MMA ecosystem. Federation officials described the Contender Series as a strategic platform aimed at bridging the gap between domestic competition and the demanding standards of international championships.
The inaugural one-day event will feature 12 elite bouts, showcasing Pakistan’s leading IMMAF athletes and emerging contenders preparing for future appearances at the IMMAF Asian Championships, IMMAF World Championships, and professional organisations including BRAVE Combat Federation, UAE Warriors and ACA.
PAKMMAF President Omar Ahmed said Pakistan has never lacked talented fighters but has struggled to provide them with consistent high-level competition. “Elite athletes need regular exposure to pressure and quality opposition to continue improving. The Contender Series provides exactly that environment, ensuring our fighters are fully prepared to compete against the world’s best,” Omar said.
A major attraction of the event will be the professional debut of former IMMAF Asian champion and IMMAF World Championship silver medallist Shahab Ali, who was also named IMMAF Fighter of the Year 2025 following his outstanding performances in Georgia. Ahmed believes Ali possesses the potential to become Pakistan’s next athlete to earn a contract with the UFC.
The federation has also expanded its long-term athlete development programme by confirming its first-ever participation in the IMMAF Youth World Championships later this year in Abu Dhabi. Pakistan’s campaign will be led by promising youngster Aurezgzeb Ahmed in Category D.
Omar also acknowledged the contribution of the private sector, praising ACTIVIT and CEO Rd. Rizwan Aftab Ahmed for their continued commitment to athlete development. “ACTIVIT and Rd Rizwan Aftab Ahmed have consistently supported our vision of building champions rather than simply sponsoring events. Their partnership is helping create sustainable opportunities for Pakistani fighters to excel internationally,” he said.
Through ACTIVIT, Rd. Rizwan Aftab Ahmed sponsored Pakistan Combat Week 2024 and the Pakistan Open MMA Championship 2025, serving as On-Site Medical Director at both events where ACTIVIT established dedicated sports medicine units for pre-fight screening, ringside emergency care, and post-fight recovery to advance athlete safety and performance. Pakistan Combat Week 2024 became Pakistan’s largest sporting event, bringing together over 300 athletes from 18 countries and reaching an estimated 40 million households across 144 countries in 22 languages, with ACTIVIT’s sponsorship also including medical and nutritional support for athletes and ACTIVIT Ambassador Eman F. Khan winning gold.
The initiative was formally appreciated for its contribution to Pakistan’s sporting excellence and international recognition, and the Honorable Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif commended the organisers for successfully delivering a landmark international sporting event without government financial support while praising their outstanding efforts in promoting Pakistan on the global stage.
With the launch of the Contender Series, PAKMMAF believes Pakistan now possesses one of the country’s most structured pathways, guiding athletes from grassroots participation to international championships and professional MMA careers.
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