MMA – Indian mixed martial arts (MMA) has entered a defining chapter.
What was once a sport searching for international recognition has become one capable of producing athletes who can compete on the international stage.
From the UFC to BRAVE Combat Federation, Indian fighters are steadily proving they belong among the world’s best, while Matrix Fight Night (MFN) continues to develop the country’s next wave of talent.
Taking into account professional records, quality of opposition, championship success, promotional level, finishing ability, international experience and current career trajectory, India’s top active MMA fighters midway through 2026 are aplenty.
OWAIS YAQOOB (BRAVE CF): No Indian fighter has built more momentum in 2026 than Owais Yaqoob.
After losing his professional debut, the lightweight from Jammu and Kashmir has reeled off five consecutive victories, establishing himself as one of India’s fastest-rising international prospects.
His arrival in BRAVE CF elevated his career to another level. Yaqoob announced himself with a first-round stoppage of Ian Paul Lora at BRAVE CF 98 before following it with another opening-round finish over Mehmet Can Tasdoven at BRAVE CF 103.
Two dominant victories against international opposition immediately placed him among the promotion’s most exciting lightweight contenders.
His development has also benefited from training alongside the renowned Team Khabib and American Kickboxing Academy system, while his growing popularity has made him one of India’s most followed MMA athletes on social media.
BRAVE CF recognised his rise by naming him among its nominees for the 2025 Breakout Fighter of the Year, further highlighting the impression he has made on the international MMA stage.
With consecutive top-tier finishes and a rapidly improving level of competition, Yaqoob takes the spot as India’s leading active mixed martial artist.
CHUNGRENG KOREN (ROAD TO UFC): Few Indian fighters have improved their standing more than Chungreng Koren.
Already one of MFN’s most accomplished athletes, the Manipur native strengthened his résumé by advancing to the Road To UFC Season Five semi-finals after submitting Japan’s Ryuho Miyaguchi.
The victory moved Koren one step closer to earning a UFC contract and confirmed his ability to compete against some of Asia’s best prospects.
While he missed weight for the bout, his championship pedigree, finishing ability, and current position within the UFC’s developmental system make him one of India’s brightest stars.
ANSHUL JUBLI (UFC): Anshul Jubli remains one of the biggest names Indian MMA has produced.
The former Road To UFC lightweight tournament winner made history by earning a UFC contract, becoming one of the faces of Indian MMA on the sport’s biggest stage.
Although consecutive losses have slowed his momentum, Jubli’s UFC experience, national recognition, and substantial fan following continue to separate him from most of his contemporaries.
One victory inside the octagon could quickly push him back into the conversation for India’s top spot.
PUJA TOMAR (UFC): Puja Tomar’s place in Indian MMA history is already secure.
The former MFN women’s strawweight champion became the first Indian woman to win a UFC bout when she defeated Rayanne dos Santos in June of 2024.
Before reaching UFC, Tomar built an impressive résumé competing across MFN, ONE Championship and Super Fight League, capturing and defending the MFN title along the way.
Her international accomplishments continue to make her one of the country’s most accomplished mixed martial artists.
DIGAMBER SINGH RAWAT (MFN): Digamber Singh Rawat represents the future of Indian MMA.
The undefeated lightweight improved to 5-0 after capturing the MFN lightweight championship, cementing himself as one of the country’s top domestic prospects.
Rawat possesses the finishing ability and striking skills to compete internationally, but his next step will be proving himself against opposition outside India.
Should that opportunity come, his standing could rise quickly.
SANJEER BUDHWAR (MFN): Sanjeet Budhwar remains one of India’s most accomplished domestic fighters.
The Haryana native owns an impressive 11-2 professional record and became the inaugural MFN featherweight champion before successfully defending the title.
His championship credentials and experience are among the strongest in Indian MMA, though his ranking reflects the greater international exposure enjoyed by the fighters above him.
A successful transition onto the global stage could significantly strengthen his case in future rankings.
The most encouraging aspect of India’s MMA landscape is not who occupies the top spot – it is the growing depth behind them.
For the first time, India is producing multiple athletes capable of succeeding beyond its borders.
And with Yaqoob leading the way through BRAVE CF, the country’s rise in MMA appears far from over.
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