ITANAGAR, Aug 23: ATURTO 4.2 concluded here on Saturday with a sold-out crowd at the Artisan Cum Exhibition Centre, Chimpu, witnessing an action-packed evening of mixed martial arts featuring submissions, stoppages and closely contested decisions.
The event featured five semi-professional bouts and three professional contests, besides the ATURTO Flyweight Grand Prix, which now has its final set for December between Amit Amaurya and Limasunep Imchen, popularly known as “Naga Zombie”.
In the semi-professional category, Miding Pada defeated Bubul Taid by rear-naked choke (RNC) at 3:24 of the first round, while Lamgu Nillo secured a third-round TKO (Technical Knockout) victory over Narang Napa at 3:55.
Reri Dedu defeated Sajal Chaudhary by unanimous decision, while Biri Nikum edged Thoidingjam Goroba by split decision. Kenjo Lollen completed the semi-professional card with an RNC victory over Vikas Gupta at 1:24 of the third round.
The professional bouts saw Darren Kharshandy defeat Rahul Thakuri by TKO at 3:27 of the first round. Yumter Taipodia secured a unanimous decision victory over Chinglemba Ningomba, while Lalngaihawma defeated Diyo Rimo by unanimous decision.
The Flyweight Grand Prix semi-finals, however, took an unexpected turn after two scheduled fighters failed to make the required weight.
Amit Amaurya advanced directly to the final after his scheduled opponent, Fahad Khan, failed to make weight. Limasunep Imchen also advanced after his scheduled opponent, Lian Nun, was unable to meet the required weight.
The results set up a December championship clash between Amaurya and “Naga Zombie” for the ATURTO Flyweight Grand Prix title.
The weight misses have prompted ATURTO to review and strengthen its weight-management and athlete-accountability policy.
Speaking at the post-event press briefing, ATURTO CEO Higio Taarak said making weight is an important responsibility for professional MMA fighters. He said a missed weight not only affects the opponent who has trained and prepared specifically for the bout, but also impacts the promotion and the expectations of fans.
Taarak said ATURTO would work towards a more robust policy placing greater emphasis on accountability, preparation and professionalism among fighters competing under the promotion.
The sold-out event also highlighted the growing popularity of mixed martial arts in Arunachal Pradesh. The packed venue witnessed fighters competing across semi-professional and professional bouts, while the Grand Prix added further excitement to the evening.
ATURTO said its objective is not only to provide competitive MMA action but also to build a professional platform for fighters from Arunachal Pradesh and beyond.
With the Flyweight Grand Prix now down to Amaurya and Imchen, attention will shift to December, when the two fighters are scheduled to meet inside the cage for the championship.