LAHORE: The Real World Fight League (RWFL), Pakistan’s premier white-collar fighting platform, hosted electrifying combat competitions at Brave Gym on Saturday. The event brought together young adults from the nation’s leading schools and universities, inspiring participants to build resilience, confidence, and life skills through combat sports.
RWFL Co-founder Qaim Abbas, a student University of Debrecen Hungary, highlighted the league’s mission. “Real World is South Asia’s largest Gen Z movement, providing an accessible platform for kids and adults to train in combat sports. It equips them with skills and a mindset to conquer life’s challenges, improving both physical fitness and mental health. This is for everyone.”
Former participant and med school graduate Sameer Mahmood, a graduate from King Edward Medical University, shared his journey of transformation: “Real World taught me to overcome challenges both in and out of the ring. From losing my first fight to becoming a champion, I’ve learned grit, resilience, and hard work. Combat sports have also strengthened me academically and physically, helping me face life’s hurdles with a solid mindset.”
Adil Azhar, from LUMS, praised RWFL for breaking stigmas around MMA. “The league has made MMA accessible for recreation, offering a safe and inspiring environment where participants grow in confidence and embrace empowerment. It’s about far more than fighting—it’s about personal development.”
Speaking to the media, Pakistan MMA Federation President Omar Ahmed drew parallels with cricket’s evolution. “Just as tape-ball cricket popularized the sport, RWFL serves as an entry point for MMA enthusiasts. It transforms perceptions, promoting MMA as a tool for physical and mental growth rather than a violent endeavor. This grassroots initiative ensures that MMA thrives as a sport for all.”
He added: “The Pakistan MMA Federation is setting itself apart from traditional sports organizations in the country with a forward-thinking approach. While many sports are rooted in conventional methods, we are committed to destigmatizing MMA and integrating it into the mainstream. Through initiatives like RWFL, we are breaking barriers and positioning MMA as a sport that fosters character development, mental resilience, and leadership skills.
“Our vision is to create a lasting legacy for combat sports in Pakistan. We aim to ensure that MMA is not just celebrated on professional platforms but also embraced as a powerful tool for recreational growth and personal development. This dual focus allows us to inspire individuals to realize their potential both in and out of the ring,” Omar Ahmed concluded.
