KUALA LUMPUR – Pakistan’s young mixed martial artists delivered a historic performance at the 2nd edition of GAMMA Asian MMA Championship 2026, securing two gold medals and clinching the champions title on the continental stage. Muhammad Jawad Ahmed and Muhammad Saqib emerged as Asian champions in their respective weight categories, marking Pakistan’s first double gold triumph at the prestigious tournament.
The championship, organized by the Global Association of Mixed Martial Arts (GAMMA), is being held from July 28 through August 2, 2026, in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The event features over 200 athletes from 16 Asian nations competing across various age groups and weight divisions. Pakistan’s delegation, comprising young fighters and support staff, has made a significant impact at the competition.
Jawad Ahmed Claims Under-16 54kg Gold
In the Under-16 54kg final, Muhammad Jawad Ahmed delivered a commanding performance to defeat Kazakhstan’s Zharylkassinov Merman, securing the gold medal and the Asian championship title in his category. The young Pakistani dominated his bouts throughout the tournament, demonstrating sharp technical skills and remarkable composure under pressure.
Jawad’s journey to the gold medal match included a hard-fought semifinal victory against a tough opponent from Kyrgyzstan. The final against the Kazakh fighter was a closely contested affair, but Jawad’s determination and tactical awareness proved decisive. His victory represents a significant milestone for Pakistani youth MMA on the Asian stage.
Saqib Completes Double Gold for Pakistan
Muhammad Saqib followed his compatriot’s success in the Under-18 56kg final, overcoming Thailand’s Changpan Wachart to secure Pakistan’s second gold medal. The victory added another major achievement to Saqib’s growing collection—he had previously won a gold medal at the 2024 GAMMA World MMA Championship, making him both a world and Asian champion before turning 18.
Saqib’s Historic 2024 World Championship Victory
Saqib’s journey to becoming a world champion began in December 2024 at the GAMMA World Championship held in Jakarta, Indonesia. Competing in the Under-18 52.2kg category, he emerged victorious in a fiercely contested final, defeating Kazakhstan’s Mansur Septegen in three thrilling rounds. He was the only Pakistani fighter competing in the U-18 category. His journey to gold involved defeating strong opponents, including Maksym Shyshkhanyah from Ukraine in the semifinals and Akezhan Magperov from Kazakhstan in the final. Saqib trains at the Badshah Wushu MMA Academy in Bhakar Goth, Karachi, under the guidance of his coach Imran Qasim. In addition to Saqib’s gold, Mahmood Kamal secured two bronze medals in the -93kg and +93kg categories, further solidifying Pakistan’s success at the event. Saqib’s victory marked Pakistan’s first-ever World MMA Championship gold medal, a groundbreaking moment for the country’s martial arts history. With this latest Asian championship win, Saqib has further solidified his reputation as one of Asia’s most promising young MMA athletes.
Path to the Finals
Getting to the finals was no easy task for either Pakistani athlete. Both had to overcome tough opponents from Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan in earlier rounds, displaying sharp technical skill, real determination, and a fighting spirit that stood out throughout the competition. Saqib secured his place in the under-18 final after defeating a strong opponent from Kazakhstan, while Jawad advanced to the under-16 title bout with a victory over a competitor from Kyrgyzstan.
Their progress has generated significant interest and excitement among Pakistani sports fans. This is not new territory for Saqib, who already has an impressive résumé, having won gold at the GAMMA World MMA Championship back in 2024, along with several other international successes representing Pakistan.
Pakistan’s Growing Presence in Asian MMA
The GAMMA Asian MMA Championship ranks among the most prestigious mixed martial arts competitions on the continent, attracting top fighters from across Asia. The event provides a safe, fair, and competitive platform for athletes while supporting the continued growth of amateur MMA in the region. Pakistan’s success at the event is expected to further accelerate the growth and popularity of MMA in the country.
The championship serves as a qualifying platform for the GAMMA World MMA Championship, adding to its significance for participating athletes. The 2nd GAMMA Asian MMA Championships bring together some of Asia’s top amateur youth and senior fighters competing for continental honours. Pakistan’s double gold-medal triumph stands as a significant achievement on the continental stage.
Federation President Hails Historic Achievement
Pakistan Mixed Martial Arts Federation (PMMAF) President Zulfiqar Ali congratulated both fighters, the coaching staff, and the national team on their historic success.
“We are proud of our young athletes, coaching staff, and the entire national team. The athletes have represented Pakistan with great dedication, excellent training, and exceptional determination,” Ali said.
He praised the young fighters for raising Pakistan’s flag high across Asia through their hard work and dedication. According to Ali, both Saqib and Jawad have demonstrated serious commitment to their sport. He highlighted their training regimen and mental toughness as key factors behind their success in the tournament.
Event Details and Participation
The GAMMA Asian MMA Championship 2026 features competitions across multiple age categories, including youth and senior divisions. Athletes from 16 countries including Pakistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Thailand, Malaysia, India, and other Asian nations are participating in the event. Pakistan’s delegation includes fighters, coaches, and support staff who have worked tirelessly to prepare for the competition. The national team’s performance at the event reflects the growing investment in MMA development programs across the country.
Looking Ahead
Pakistan’s young stars have already made their mark on the competition. Saqib and Jawad’s performances have not only brought glory to the nation but have also put Pakistan firmly on the map of Asian MMA. As the sport continues to grow in the country, these two champions represent the bright future of Pakistani mixed martial arts on the international stage.
The success of Jawad and Saqib is expected to inspire a new generation of young athletes to take up MMA, further strengthening Pakistan’s presence in combat sports across Asia and beyond.
