Owais Yaqoob: Pulwama's MMA Hero Returns Home After Bulgaria Win Kashmiri mixed martial arts fighter Owais Yaqoob returned to his hometown of Pulwama in Jammu and Kashmir on Tuesday, greeted as a hero after securing a decisive victory over Bulgarian opponent Delyan Georgiev in a recent match. The win, which drew over 1.6 million live viewers in India, marked a significant milestone in Yaqoob’s career and reignited national pride. The 28-year-old, known for his resilience and determination, expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support he received from fans across the country. Yaqoob’s triumph in Bulgaria came despite facing multiple health challenges leading up to the fight. He revealed that he had suffered a foot injury, a shoulder injury, and a fever, compounded by a cold, all of which he kept hidden from his team to avoid being perceived as making excuses. “When I left from here, first, I had an injury in the foot, and then my shoulder got injured. After that, we went and travelled for 40 hours, and as soon as I reached the fight week, I got a fever and a cold,” he explained. Yaqoob emphasized that his focus remained on the competition, stating, “Our focus remains on the fact that we are still hungry and we need to do more.” The victory was not only a personal achievement but also a moment of collective celebration for the nation. Yaqoob highlighted the emotional connection he felt with his supporters, noting that their encouragement fueled his training and ambition. “Their emotions are connected to me, and that is a huge achievement. People give me the motivation to train,” he said. He also expressed excitement about his upcoming match in Istanbul, where he will compete in a grappling event featuring major UFC fighters.#jammu_and_kashmir #bulgaria #owais_yaqoob #pulwama #delyan_georgiev
Kashmir’s once-volatile Pulwama gives birth to its first Mixed Martial Arts champion Born in Kashmir’s once-volatile Pulwama district, 28-year-old Owais Yaqoob has scripted a new distinction for the region by becoming the first ever mixed martial arts (MMA) champion of the area. Hailed for his aggressive stance and robust physical build, Yaqoob made headlines on August 2, 2026, after defeating Bulgarian fighter Georgie at Brave Combat Federation 107. His victory marked a significant milestone for Pulwama, a region historically marked by political unrest, as it now claims a global MMA champion. Yaqoob, a resident of Murran village in Pulwama, began his professional MMA journey at Matrix Fight Night 11 in 2023. Since then, he has secured notable wins, including a victory over Azim Mokhlis at Matrix Fight Night 14 and a triumph against Amanzhol Khaisa in 2024 at Naiza FC 70 in Semey, Kazakhstan. These bouts earned him international recognition and set the stage for his latest achievement. The fight at Brave CF 107 showcased Yaqoob’s dominance, as he defeated the unbeaten Bulgarian Georgie in the opening round. The match, which lasted only four minutes, highlighted his technical prowess and striking skills. This victory is particularly impressive given that Georgie was a two-time IMMAF World Champion, making Yaqoob’s win a rare feat. Following the bout, his professional MMA record stands at 6-1, with three consecutive wins under the BRAVE Combat Federation banner. Jammu & Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah extended his congratulations to Yaqoob, calling the victory a proud moment for the state and the nation. Abdullah emphasized that Yaqoob’s success would inspire young athletes in Jammu & Kashmir to pursue excellence and believe in their potential.#jammu_kashmir #owais_yaqoob #pulwama_district #brave_combat_federation #matrix_fight_night
