Mike Tyson joins as face of upcoming India-born mixed martial league

Former American professional boxer Mike Tyson will soon be coming to India to promote a new mixed martial arts league, Kumite 1 League.

Brainchild of Mohamedali Budhwani, CMD of Toyam Industries, Kumite 1 League will be officially launched in Mumbai on September 29, with its first bout between India and the UAE at the NSCI Dome in Worli.

“I am thrilled to host world boxing legend Mike Tyson in India for Kumite 1 League. For the first time in the history of MMA, we are launching a combat sports league in a team format. We believe there is a lot of potential for mixed martial arts to flourish as a mainstream sport in India,” said Budhwani, founder, Kumite1 League.


The league is scheduled to launch in February next year, and is supported by the All India Mixed Martial Arts Federation (AIMMAF).

Also, this will be the first time when an MMA competition will be contested by teams representing their countries. Budhwani said local federations have given the go-ahead for the league, and he expects to have representations from 12 countries.

“With the support from MMA federations across the globe, we will be going to the grassroots and scout for the best talent. With a legend like Mike Tyson flagging off the event, we are confident that Kumite 1 League will establish itself as a prime international MMA property originating in India,” he said.

“When Mohamedali reached out to me for the first time and discussed his vision for the league, I was convinced that this is something that has great potential. I will be in India for the launch event and very excited to meet my fans in India,” Tyson said in a statement.

Kumite 1 League will undertake a grassroots development programme that will create a platform to groom budding MMA talent.