New Delhi: Matrix Fight Night (MFN), India’s premier Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) promotion, is all set to deliver another high-octane event with its 16th edition. Co-founders Krishna Shroff and Ayesha Shroff officially announced MFN 16 at an exclusive press conference held today at Le Meridien, Connaught Place, New Delhi. The event, scheduled for February 28 at Siri Fort Stadium, will feature some of the most talented MMA fighters from India and across the globe.
Tiger Shroff and Krishna Shroff’s passion for MMA has been instrumental in shaping the sport in India. Along with their mother, Ayesha Shroff, the duo has pioneered the rise of MMA by establishing MMA Matrix, a premier training facility that provides world-class coaching to athletes aspiring to build a career in combat sports. Their efforts culminated in the launch of Matrix Fight Night in 2019, a platform that has since become a launchpad for India’s best MMA talent, bringing international recognition to the sport. So far, MFN has successfully hosted 15 editions across major Indian cities such as Mumbai, Hyderabad, and New Delhi, as well as internationally in Dubai. The upcoming MFN 16 promises to be another thrilling spectacle, with an electrifying lineup of fighters ready to step into the cage.
During today’s press conference, Krishna Shroff and Ayesha Shroff introduced the fighters competing at MFN 16, who engaged in an intense face-off, setting the stage for an action-packed fight night tomorrow. The audience got a glimpse of the fierce competition expected at Siri Fort Stadium, where top-tier Indian fighters will go head-to-head with international challengers.
Co-founder Krishna Shroff said, “We’re thrilled to be able to start the new year with another massive show for our amazing athletes and supporters who have waited with much anticipation. With some rising prospects, a few solid international talents pitted against our MN standouts, and a long awaited rematch between rivals in the Main Event, MFN 16 promises to be absolute fireworks—raising the bar for all fighters once again.”
Co-founder Ayesha Shroff, expressing her excitement for the event, added, “We are absolutely delighted to bring back MFN for the 16th time. The talent that we see at our events, never ceases to amaze me. With every passing year we seem to have an even better line up of young and talented fighters than our previous years, not to mention the talent that we welcome internationally. MFN 16 has a stellar line up of supremely talented individuals from India and abroad and we assure you, our supporters will have an amazing time.”
The stacked fight card for MFN 16 features a mix of seasoned professionals and rising stars, including Digambar Singh Rawat, Neeraj Panghal, Jacky Gahlot, Shyamanand, Aminder Bisht, Thokchom Nanao, Mandeep Prajapati, Kapil Kumar, Zahoor Shah, Manuchekhr Davlatov, Mohsin Shaikh, Avizo Lanamai, Daniel Damlong, Abdul Fazeel, Sameer Dhiman, Jyoti Kalita, Dushyant, Siyovush Gulmamadov, Sonam Zomba, Shi Yin Tan, Balveer Tomar, Dinesh Naorem, Riya Thapa, Sarita Rathod, Manoj Yadav, and Rajesh Pujari.
MFN operates in two formats:
• MFN Contenders – A highly competitive three-day tournament where both amateur and professional fighters from across India battle for a chance to earn the prestigious MFN contract.
• International Fight Night – A global stage where the best fighters, including those who emerge from MFN Contenders, compete against international talent.
The most recent MFN Contenders tournament saw 600 athletes vying for a coveted spot in the MFN roster, with 13 contracts awarded to India’s finest MMA prospects. Thanks to the rapidly growing popularity of the sport and the exceptional training provided by MMA Matrix, MFN Contenders continues to see a massive turnout before every tournament.
Notably, MFN has successfully propelled Indian fighters like Anshul Jubli and Puja Tomar to the global stage, earning them contracts with the UFC—a testament to the promotion’s commitment to nurturing world-class MMA talent.
With the stage set and fighters ready to prove their mettle, MFN 16 is expected to deliver non-stop action, skill, and intensity at Siri Fort Stadium on February 28. The event will also be streamed live, ensuring that MMA fans across India and beyond can witness the excitement.