Abdul Azim Badakhshi

Abdul Azim Badakhshi The Afghan Lion

Abdul Azim Badakhshi steps into the cage with a quiet confidence that belies his 14-4 professional record. Training out of MMA Matrix Gym in India, the 5'9" featherweight has earned the nickname The Afghan Lion through a blend of steady striking and unyielding forward pressure. In a region where fighters often emerge under the radar, Badakhshi has carved his path by competing at least twice in the Middle East & Africa and Asia Pacific circuits over his last six outings. Ranked 54th in the Middle East & Africa and 124th in Asia Pacific, Badakhshi’s standings reflect both his consistency and regional focus. He holds a featherweight ranking in every region where he has fought recently, a testament to his decision to test himself against a diverse slate of opponents. At 28, he has turned frequent competition into an asset, using back-to-back appearances at 145 pounds to sharpen his timing and sharpen his résumé. As Abu Dhabi crowds and Singapore arenas have begun to recognize his gait on the scale and his work in the gym, Badakhshi is quietly positioning himself as a figure to watch at featherweight. He may still be a regional name, but his record and rankings suggest a fighter ready to bridge the gap to global contention.