Kathmandu, May 28

Nepali MMA fighter Rabindra Dhant has advanced to the semifinals of Road to UFC Season 5, the UFC’s selection tournament.

He reached the semifinals by defeating the Philippines’ Kimbert Alintozon in Thursday’s quarterfinal bout.

Dhant was originally scheduled to fight Matty Iaan, but after Iaan got injured, he was replaced by the Philippines’ Kimbert Alintozon.

Competing in the bantamweight division, Dhant will earn a spot on the UFC’s main stage if he wins in this weight category.

Rabindra Dhant is currently recognised as the most popular fighter in Nepali MMA.

Last year, at Matrix Fight Night 17 held in Greater Noida, India, he knocked out India’s Chungreng Koren to win the title.