Pakistan’s Manesha Ali Wins Gold at IMMAF World Cup in Angola
Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail
Pakistani MMA fighter Manesha Ali captured gold at the IMMAF World Cup in Luanda after defeating Angola’s Leonela Isabel Blaiye by second-round submission.
Pakistan’s Manesha Ali secured a major international achievement by winning the gold medal at the IMMAF World Cup in Luanda, Angola.
According to the Pakistan MMA Federation, Manesha defeated home fighter Leonela Isabel Blaiye by submission in the second round of their bout.
Manesha Finishes Fight with Guillotine Submission
The decisive moment came with around 30 seconds remaining in the second round.
Blaiye moved forward with a series of punches, but Manesha responded by securing a standing guillotine choke.
The submission ended the contest with approximately 15 seconds left in the round and confirmed Manesha as the tournament champion.
The victory sparked an emotional celebration from the Pakistani fighter, who dropped to her knees after the referee stopped the bout.
Her sister Maleeha, who was watching from the crowd, also celebrated the achievement.
From Lahore Gym to International Podium
Manesha trains at Brave Gym Lahore and comes from Gilgit-Baltistan.
Her latest success came at a tournament featuring 15 highly ranked teams from different parts of the world, bringing together leading amateur mixed martial arts competitors.
The gold medal represents another significant step in Manesha’s rapidly developing MMA career.
Focus Turns to IMMAF World Championships
Following the World Cup victory, Manesha will turn her attention to upcoming international competitions.
Her next assignment will be the Pakistan Open, followed by the IMMAF World Championships in Georgia, scheduled to begin on November 1.
Manesha said she was confident in her preparation and credited her coach and mentor Omar Ahmed for helping her develop as a fighter.
She also outlined her ambition of becoming an IMMAF world champion and eventually becoming the first Pakistani female fighter to compete in the UFC.
Pakistan MMA Federation Praises Achievement
Pakistan MMA Federation chief Omar Ahmed described the victory as a significant moment for the sport in Pakistan.
He said operating a sports federation in the country comes with administrative and policy-related challenges, but international achievements by Pakistani athletes make those efforts worthwhile.
Manesha’s gold medal in Angola gives Pakistan another notable result on the international MMA stage and provides momentum ahead of the upcoming Pakistan Open and World Championships.
