NE ENTERTAINMENT BUREAU
The competition was fierce and kept audiences on the edge of their seats! And, in the end, Monika Ghag, Mehedi Naseri, and Neitso Angami emerged as the Champions of India’s first-ever MMA reality series ‘Kumite 1 Warrior Hunt,’ streaming exclusively on MX Player. After weeks of intense battles, these three talented MMA champions have proven their strength, skill, and determination to rise to the top.
Host, Suniel Shetty said, “Congratulations to the winners of India’s first-ever MMA reality series Kumite 1 Warrior Hunt – Monika Ghag, Mehedi Naseri and Neitso Angami. This is the real talent from the heartland of India. I take inspiration from these Champions and, this is just the beginning!”
The Champions of ‘Kumite 1 Warrior Hunt’ received a cash prize of USD 5000 along with an exclusive 3-year contract. As the winners, the trio will now have the opportunity to represent India on a global stage, raising the bar for the sport and inspiring the next generation of martial artists. They will also be trained Internationally to gain exposure with the best athletes abroad and represent ‘Team India’ in ‘K 1 Asian Championship’ in mid-2023 in UAE.
The MMA fighters from various parts of India who have been selected through several rounds of auditions for a title while being trained by renowned MMA coaches – Bharat Khandare and Pawan Maan are Rekha Choudhary, Monika Kiran Ghag, Priyanka Jeet Toshi, Heena Ali sher Shaikh, Lakhi Das, Harpreet Kaur, Shalu Sharma Kiran Singh, Siddharth Chandanshive, Mehdi Nasiri, Pradeep Hooda, Suraj Bahadur, Sameer Janjhotra, Sohail Khan, Krishna Payasi and Neitso Angami. Here’s getting to know the winners better: (Contestants and Coaches Profiles are attached)
Winners:
Name – Monika Kiran Ghag A.K.A “The Serpent”
Age – 25
Location: Navi Mumbai
Monika Ghag, the female winner of the series, is a 25-year-old MMA athlete from Navi Mumbai.
An independent, focused and hard-working girl who knows what she wants from her life and does not fear breaking the stereotypes. She stepped into MMA without her family’s support but became stronger as her husband became her pillar of strength. Within 3 months of playing, she represented Mumbai in an all-over India wrestling tournament and her ultimate goal is to win the UFC title.
Male Winners:
Name – Mehdi A.K.A “Notorious” Nasirey
Age – 30
Location: Ladakh
A businessman, trainer and MMA fighter, Mehdi returned to India after spending 21 years in Iran. Entering the MMA circuit in India was a task, but he overcame it with the help of a dear friend and regular practice. He believes sports guided him towards the right path in life and counts grappling ability and kicks as his biggest strengths. Having overcome the most challenging situations and extreme climatic conditions in Ladakh, he believes he can survive anything.
Name – Kekhrieneitso Angami A.KA. Nietso “Checkmate” Angami
Age – 25
Location – Dimapur. Nagaland
Profile – Coming from the land of Nagas, Nietso believes the blood of warriors is still alive in him. He started his journey as a taekwondo player, and looked down upon MMA, but was stunned by the intensity during his first session. He then trained himself to be the best. In 2018, Neitso emerged as champion in the lightweight category at the All India Mixed Martial Arts Federation (AIMMAF) nationals. For him, MMA has been a life-changer as he found himself, his discipline and his self-esteem. He aims to take Indian MMA and Nagaland to the world stage.
MX Player’s in-house content arm, MX Studios presents India’s first-ever MMA reality show ‘Kumite 1 Warrior Hunt’ in collaboration with Toyam Industries Ltd. Hosted by none other than MMA enthusiast and Hindi Cinema maven Suniel Shetty, the reality show unleashes power-packed challenges between the 16 shortlisted contestants and test their mettle to attain the title of the ultimate warrior.
Kumite 1 Warrior Hunt is a six-episode series, which is now streaming exclusively on MX Player.
