Imphal
Manipuri fighter Chungreng Koren’s impressive Road to UFC Season 5 campaign came to an end in Shanghai after he suffered a unanimous-decision defeat against Japan’s Ryo Tajima in the bantamweight semifinal at the Oriental Sports Center.
Backed by RONIN Fighting Championship, the 28-year-old Indian entered the UFC’s Asia-Pacific talent tournament in May as a short-notice replacement. Despite the circumstances, Koren quickly made an impact, securing a submission victory over Japan’s previously unbeaten Ryuho Miyaguchi in Macau to book his place in the semifinals.
Koren’s run ended against Tajima, but his semifinal appearance represents a significant milestone for Indian mixed martial arts on the international stage. The Manipuri fighter, known as “The Indian Rhino”, showed the ability to compete deep into one of the region’s major pathways to the UFC.
The result also adds to a growing professional record that includes an 8–2 mark and the 2024 Matrix Fight Night Interim Bantamweight Championship. His performances have strengthened his credentials as one of India’s emerging MMA talents.
For Koren, the Shanghai bout marked the conclusion of a rapid journey through the tournament, but reaching the last four after entering as a replacement gives him an important platform for future opportunities.
His progression from domestic competition to an international semifinal highlights the expanding presence of Indian fighters in global MMA. With his professional record, championship experience and Road to UFC exposure, Koren is expected to remain a notable name in India’s developing MMA landscape. His latest campaign also provided experience against elite opposition overseas.
