Mizo mixed martial artist Nazareth Lalthazuala Hmar has created history by becoming the first athlete from Mizoram to secure a contract with ONE Championship. The 25-year-old fighter achieved the milestone after defeating Jhon Brutus of the Philippines at ONE Friday Fights 157 in Bangkok, Thailand. As a result, ONE Championship awarded him a US$100,000 contract. In addition, he received a performance bonus of 35,000 Thai Baht. The achievement marks a major breakthrough for Mizoram and Indian mixed martial arts on the international stage.
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Historic Achievement for Mizoram
Nazareth delivered an impressive performance against Jhon Brutus during the event. Consequently, officials offered him a contract with one of the world’s leading combat sports organizations.
Notably, he is the first athlete from Mizoram to earn a ONE Championship contract. Therefore, his success has become a proud moment for the state and the wider Northeast region.
Journey from Humble Beginnings
Nazareth was born on January 1, 2001, in Zemabawk, Mizoram. Before entering professional sports, he reportedly worked as a vegetable seller and commercial vehicle driver.
However, he remained committed to his athletic ambitions. He began his sporting career in boxing in 2022 and later transitioned to mixed martial arts.
Rapid Rise in Mixed Martial Arts
Nazareth made his professional MMA debut in November 2024 at the BWC: Rising Warriors Charity Event in Uganda. There, he defeated Farouk Ogwal and started his professional journey with a victory.
Subsequently, he joined ONE Championship and made his promotional debut at ONE Friday Fights 135 in November 2025. He secured a first-round victory over Japan’s Masaki Suzuki.
Today, Nazareth holds an undefeated professional MMA record of 8-0. Moreover, he is a three-time national flyweight MMA champion.
Multiple Achievements Across Combat Sports
Apart from MMA, Nazareth has excelled in other combat disciplines. He has won several kickboxing medals, including an international gold medal.
Furthermore, he earned a bronze medal in Wushu at the 2025 National Games. These achievements highlight his versatility as a combat sports athlete.
Training Base in Guwahati
Currently, Nazareth trains under coach Manas Daimary at Dojang MMA & Fitness Studio in Guwahati, Assam. Under his coach’s guidance, he has continued to improve his skills and compete at higher levels.
As a result, he has emerged as one of India’s most promising MMA fighters. His latest achievement is expected to inspire many young athletes across the Northeast.
Key Facts
- Athlete: Nazareth Lalthazuala Hmar
- Hometown: Zemabawk, Mizoram
- Achievement: First athlete from Mizoram to secure a ONE Championship contract
- Event: ONE Friday Fights 157
- Location: Bangkok, Thailand
- Opponent Defeated: Jhon Brutus (Philippines)
- Contract Value: US$100,000
- Performance Bonus: 35,000 Thai Baht
- Professional MMA Record: 8-0
- Coach: Manas Daimary
- Training Base: Dojang MMA & Fitness Studio, Guwahati
Question & Answer
What achievement did Nazareth Hmar accomplish?
Nazareth Hmar became the first athlete from Mizoram to earn a contract with ONE Championship.
How did he secure the contract?
He earned the contract after defeating Jhon Brutus at ONE Friday Fights 157 in Bangkok.
What rewards did he receive?
He received a US$100,000 contract and a performance bonus of 35,000 Thai Baht.
What is his professional MMA record?
Nazareth remains undefeated with eight wins and no losses.
Where does he train?
He trains under coach Manas Daimary at Dojang MMA & Fitness Studio in Guwahati.
Location Context
Mizoram is emerging as a strong center for combat sports talent in Northeast India. Nazareth Hmar’s achievement highlights the region’s growing presence in international mixed martial arts competitions.