New Delhi
Owais Yaqoob, a 26-year-old mixed martial arts (MMA) fighter from South Kashmir’s Pulwama district, registered a win at an international competition in China by defeating Ian Paul "Choco" Lora of the Philippines, on Friday
He was fighting under the Bahrain-based BRAVE Combat Federation in China's Guongzhou.
Born in Muran, a village surrounded by apple orchards, some 6 km from Pulwama town, Owais has been active in sports since his childhood.
Just 3 minutes and 6 seconds into the match, Owais secured a takedown and then landed a barrage of powerful punches, knocking him to the ground. Lora surrendered and tapped out. This victory represented more than just winning a match for Owais. It was a dream come true, a dream that had come true after years of hard work, struggle, and dedication.
Congratulations to the whole of #Kashmir and #India.
— Jasib Shabir Bhat (@jasib_shabir) September 19, 2025
Today, our very own Owais Yaqoob (@MartialKashmir) has made history in China by defeating the undefeated Ian Paul Lora and raising our tricolor high on the international stage once again. 🇮🇳
We are truly proud of you, Owais… pic.twitter.com/P1Pjgu1NvP
Owais Yaqoob began his martial arts journey in 2013 with taekwondo. Over the next ten years, he won 11 national gold medals, 6 silver medals, and 17 state-level titles. Owais's exceptional performance earned him the titles of "Champion of Champions" and "Best Fighter Boy" in 2018.
In 2022, Owais participated in the WEKAF World Championships held in the Philippines, where he won a bronze medal and represented India in Filipino stick fighting (Eskrima). This performance established him as a world-class martial artist.
Owais's inspiration for MMA came after watching a match featuring UFC superstar Khabib Nurmagomedov in 2018. Owais was determined to pursue a career in the sport. Before entering the world of professional MMA, Owais also won three national amateur MMA titles.
Owais shared his bout on X:
Owais Yaqoob (@MartialKashmir) from Kashmir defeats the undefeated Ian Paul “Choco” Lora at #BRAVECF98, raising the Indian Tricolour 🇮🇳 high on Int'l MMA stage
— Badalta Kashmir (@BadaltaKashmeer) September 20, 2025
Owais Yaqoob has shown the world that youth of Kashmir don’t just dream — they conquer, lead,&inspire.#badaltaKashmir pic.twitter.com/AGdtX0Mbkp
He made his professional debut in 2023 and defeated Mohammed Azim Mokhlis by unanimous decision in March 2024. He then defeated Shetty Pratik Sadashiv by technical knockout (TKO) in April 2024. His professional record now stands at 3-1.
Owais had, for some time, deviated into stone pelting but was counseled and brought back into the mainstream, and today is an example of how positivity can change lives in Kashmir.
According to Kashmir media, his victory was celebrated in his village, where people visited his home to congratulate his parents. Friends and family celebrated his victory by distributing sweetmeats.
“His victory shows what Kashmiri fighters are capable of on the international stage,” said Waseem Ahmad, an athlete from Pulwama.
Rouf said the win has strengthened his brother’s resolve to push forward. “Every fight is a test. It will embolden him to train harder and prepare for bigger challenges ahead,” he added.
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His achievement has sparked interest among youngsters in Pulwama, many of whom now aspire to pursue MMA professionally.
