The second edition of the international combat sports competition, ‘Zulcan Fighting Championship’ (ZFC)—titled ‘ZFC 2: Pride of Bangladesh’—was held at the Zulcan Indoor Arena of Bashundhara Sports City in the capital.
Organised by Tanveer Bashundhara Group (TBG), the championship featured thrilling bouts across Muay Thai, traditional boxing, Mixed Martial Arts (MMA), and, for the first time in Bangladesh’s history, bare-knuckle boxing. Ahmed Ibrahim Sobhan, Managing Director of Tanveer Bashundhara Group, and Emil Ahmed Sobhan, Managing Director of Sanveer Bashundhara Group, watched and enjoyed the matches from the gallery.
Young and emerging Bangladeshi athletes went head-to-head against experienced international fighters across multiple bouts, including five main title fights on this international platform.
A New Chapter with Bare-Knuckle Boxing
The main attraction of the event was the debut of bare-knuckle boxing in Bangladesh. In a fierce and exhilarating three-round bout without gloves, world-renowned American fighter Will Chope faced Iran’s Mostafa Ashouri. Will Chope secured a hard-fought victory, marking the beginning of a new professional era for combat sports in the country.
Championship and International Bout Results
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ZFC Muay Thai Championship: Bangladesh’s Muhammad Rashed lifted the title after defeating Erwandey Kalai of Malaysia.
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International Bout: Bangladesh’s Monjur Alam emerged victorious after beating Philippines’ Felipus Ranga.
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Other Bouts: In the WMO Asia Muay Thai Championship, Bangladesh’s Masjidul Reza Omio triumphed over Thailand’s Thanapat Titham.
In the ZFC Boxing Championship, Bangladesh’s Sura Krishna Chakma defeated Indonesia’s Kundimang, while Singapore’s Sean Raphael Sani claimed victory over Bangladesh’s Sirajul Rabbi.
Beyond the ring, the gallery buzzed with a star-studded lineup from the entertainment industry. Cast members from the popular drama serial Bachelor Point—Ziaul Hoque Polash, Marzuk Russell, Chashi Alam, and Musafir Sayed Bachu—along with director Kajal Arefin Ome, were present to cheer on the athletes.
Actress Tasnia Farin, singer Zefer Rahman, host Rafsan Sabab, and several of the country’s leading social media influencers also attended to enjoy the fights.
Bangladesh’s Growing Potential on the Global Stage
Following the success of ‘ZFC 1: The Takeover’ in April this year, this second installment has pushed the nation’s combat sports scene further forward. Hosting international events centered around Bashundhara Sports City creates professional pathways for local fighters while putting Bangladesh on the global sports map. Organisers expressed optimism that this surge in combat sports beyond traditional athletics will serve as a strong platform for young talent to step onto the international stage.
