B.Mirror Desk: 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 within the capital’s Bashundhara Sports City.

Organized by Tanvir Bashundhara Group (TBG), the championship featured thrilling bouts in Thai boxing (Muay Thai), traditional boxing, Mixed Martial Arts (MMA), and—for the first time in the country’s history—bare-knuckle boxing. Watching the action from the stands were
Ahmed Ibrahim Sobhan, Managing Director of Tanvir Bashundhara Group, and
Emil Ahmed Sobhan, Managing Director of Sanvir Bashundhara Group.
In the ‘Zulcan Fighting Championship,’ young and emerging Bangladeshi athletes faced off against experienced fighters from the global stage in multiple bouts, including five for major titles.
A New Chapter in Bare-Knuckle Boxing
The event’s main attraction was the debut of ‘bare-knuckle boxing’ in Bangladesh. In this special, thrilling three-round bout fought without gloves, world-renowned American fighter Will Chope faced Iran’s Mostafa Ashouri. American Will Chope emerged victorious in this fiercely contested match. This bout marked the beginning of a new professional era for combat sports in the country.

ZFC Muay Thai Championship: Bangladesh’s Muhammad Rashed claimed the title after defeating Malaysia’s Erwandi Kalai.
International Bout: Bangladesh’s Manjur Alam secured a victory by defeating the Philippines’ Philipas Ranga. Other Bouts: Bangladesh’s Masjidul Reza Omi emerged victorious against Thailand’s Thanapat Titham at the WMO Asia Muay Thai Championship.
Additionally, at the ZFC Boxing Championship, Bangladesh’s Sura Krishna Chakma defeated Indonesia’s Kundimang, while Singapore’s Sean Raphael Sunny secured a win against Bangladesh’s Sirajul Rabbi.
Beyond the sporting action, the stands featured a colorful presence of stars from the entertainment world. Actors Ziaul Hoque Polash, Marzuk Russell, Chashi Alam, and Musafir Syed Bachchu—along with director Kajal Arefin Omi from the popular series ‘Bachelor Point’—were present to cheer on the competitors.
Actress Tasnia Farin, musician Zefar Rahman, presenter Rafsan Shabab, and leading social media influencers also attended the event to enjoy the fights.
Bangladesh’s Potential on the Global Stage
Following the successful conclusion of ‘ZFC 1: The Takeover’ last April, this second edition has propelled the country’s combat sports scene another step forward. Centered at Bashundhara Sports City, such international events not only create professional opportunities for local fighters but also introduce Bangladesh anew on the global sports map. Organizers expressed optimism that this surge in combat sports—moving beyond traditional disciplines—will serve as a powerful platform to propel the youth onto the international stage.