Tbilisi, November 4,2026: Pakistan’s rising mixed martial arts (MMA) star Maliha Ali has secured a remarkable victory at the IMMAF World Championships in Tbilisi, Georgia, defeating two-time European champion Veronika Drozdova of Russia by split decision in the featherweight (65.8kg) category.
The 24-year-old fighter from Hunza, Gilgit-Baltistan, produced an impressive performance against one of the tournament’s leading competitors, marking a significant achievement for Pakistan’s amateur MMA campaign.
Drozdova, 19, was among more than 60 athletes representing Russia at the championships, with the country fielding a well-funded programme backed by substantial resources.
Fighting from a southpaw stance, Maliha began cautiously before closing the distance and pinning her Russian opponent against the cage.
She landed several clean strikes towards the end of the opening round, although Drozdova managed to connect with a few overhand lefts.
Maliha strengthened her position in the second round by securing a takedown and taking the fight to the ground. She subsequently moved into full mount and landed several powerful blows from the top.
However, the Pakistani fighter appeared to lose energy in the third round, allowing Drozdova to secure a takedown and control much of the action on the ground.
Although the final round went to the Russian fighter, Maliha’s dominance in the opening two rounds proved decisive, with the judges awarding her the victory by split decision.
Following the announcement, Maliha celebrated with her arms raised before embracing her opponent and prostrating herself on the mat with the Pakistani flag draped over her shoulders.
Speaking after the contest, Maliha said the team’s preparation and adherence to the coaches’ instructions had played an important role in her success.
“I was listening to the corner and the coach’s instructions during the fight. We worked on our opponent’s game plan, how she fights, and executed our strategy. And thankfully it worked,” she said.
Maliha is also a wushu champion and national kickboxing gold medallist. She entered the world championships after winning a silver medal at the IMMAF World Cup in Angola earlier this year.
Pakistan MMA Federation President Omar Ahmed said the federation had organised a six-week training camp and brought in an international jiu-jitsu and grappling coach to address weaknesses identified during Maliha’s previous international campaign.
He said the coaching staff had worked specifically on improving her performance and correcting mistakes observed during the Angola event.
Omar acknowledged the considerable difference in financial and training resources between Pakistan and leading MMA nations such as Russia.
“Russia has one of the most well-funded MMA programs. Compared to them, we are the most underfunded and probably the least-resourced federation competing in this event because of the sports policy in Pakistan. But still, we manage to eke out victories against such formidable opponents,” he said.
He added that victories against well-resourced opponents were particularly rewarding for the Pakistani team.
“We come from almost nothing; the only thing we have is our grit and desire to succeed, and I guess that’s what matters at the end of the day,” Omar said.
Pakistan’s MMA federation has previously faced financial challenges in international competitions. Its campaign at last year’s World Championships, also held in Tbilisi, was reportedly financed entirely through private sponsorship without government funding.
Maliha will face Mexico’s Andrea Gabriela Guzman Salazar in the quarter-finals on Wednesday as she looks to continue her impressive campaign.
Her twin sister, Manesha Ali, will also compete in the quarter-finals against Poland’s Martyna Caruk on the same day.
Manesha, who won a gold medal in Luanda earlier this year, is also targeting a place in the world championship final.
Both sisters are now pursuing world titles, raising hopes of another memorable achievement for Pakistan in international amateur mixed martial arts.
