Srinagar, Oct 4: From the mountains of Kashmir to the international mixed martial arts arena, young fighter Owais Yaqoob is steadily carving out a name for himself through discipline, determination and an unwavering commitment to the sport.

Yaqoob’s journey reflects the growing interest in mixed martial arts (MMA) among Kashmir’s youth, with the fighter now setting his sights on the ultimate goal of competing on the global stage under the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC).
For Yaqoob, the journey has been built on more than physical strength. MMA demands a combination of striking, grappling, wrestling, conditioning and mental toughness, with fighters required to remain composed under intense pressure.
His progression has been marked by a strong emphasis on training, fitness and competition, as he continues to gain experience and sharpen his skills. The journey from Kashmir to the wider MMA circuit has also brought new challenges, including adapting to different fighting styles and competing against athletes from diverse backgrounds.
Yaqoob’s aspirations are also inspired by the success of international MMA stars, including former UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov, whose wrestling-based approach and disciplined career have influenced a generation of young fighters.
The growing visibility of MMA in India has opened new opportunities for aspiring fighters, while platforms such as the UFC have given athletes a pathway to compete at the highest level of the sport.
For Yaqoob, however, the UFC dream remains a destination rather than a shortcut. Each training session, bout and experience is another step towards achieving that ambition.
His journey also carries significance beyond personal achievement. As a fighter from Kashmir seeking recognition in an increasingly competitive international sport, Yaqoob hopes to inspire more young people in the region to explore combat sports and pursue their ambitions with discipline and perseverance.
With his eyes firmly fixed on the UFC, Yaqoob continues to work towards turning his ambition into reality—one fight, one training session and one challenge at a time.