Srinagar, Aug 17(GNS): Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today felicitated mixed martial arts fighter Owais Yaqoob with a cash award of ₹1 lakh for his impressive performances on the international stage.
The CM lauded Yaqoob for bringing laurels to Jammu & Kashmir and the country, as per GNS and said his success will inspire young sportspersons across the region to pursue excellence.
Owais Yaqoob, 27-28, was born in 1998 in Murran village, Pulwama district, Jammu and Kashmir. He is recognised as the first professional MMA fighter from Kashmir.
Yaqoob began his sporting journey in 2012-2013 with taekwondo and kickboxing. Over the next decade he won 11 national gold medals, six silver medals, and 17 state-level titles. He also represented India in Eskrima and won a bronze medal at the 2022 WEKAF World Championship in the Philippines.
Inspired by UFC legend Khabib Nurmagomedov, Yaqoob transitioned to MMA and turned professional in 2023. He currently trains at the American Kickboxing Academy under Khabib Nurmagomedov and Javier Mendez.
Yaqoob made his pro debut at Matrix Fight Night 11 in 2023. Since then he has built a professional record of 6 wins and 1 loss, with victories in India, Kazakhstan and China.
He scripted history by becoming the first fighter from J&K to compete and win under BRAVE Combat Federation. His most recent highlight came at BRAVE CF 107 on August 2, 2026, where he defeated Bulgarian fighter Delyan Georgiev — a training partner of UFC champion Ilia Topuria — via first-round stoppage.
Beyond competition, Yaqoob established the Lion’s Den Martial Arts Academy in Pulwama in 2015, which has trained more than 200 young athletes.(GNS)
