Yuki Andembe, a Nepalese mixed martial arts (MMA) fighter, secured a first-round knockout victory against India’s Mandip Prajapati at Matrix Fight Night (MFN) 18 held in India. The event’s final took place Saturday night at the Vijay Singh Pathik Indoor Sports Complex in Greater Noida, where Yuki defeated Mandip in 2 minutes and 31 seconds, silencing the home crowd. The 27-year-old, born in Nepal and raised in the United Kingdom, proudly represented the Nepalese flag with this impressive win.
Yuki emphasized the importance of both physical and mental strength in MMA, explaining that pressure must be transformed into fuel for success. He encouraged young athletes to follow their passion and determination, stating, “This sport is not just about being physically strong. If you are mentally weak, it will affect your physical performance as well.” Yuki also shared the challenges he faced balancing academic pursuits with his MMA career.
Initially, Yuki played cricket during his childhood but was forced to stop due to a back injury, which ultimately led him to MMA. He recalled, “I used to play cricket in school. Later, after joining the gym, my interest in MMA grew.” Yuki observed that MMA is rapidly growing in popularity in Nepal, with the skill level of Nepalese fighters improving significantly. He noted, “This sport has developed greatly in Nepal. Fighting is in the DNA of Nepalese people.”
Focusing on his career, Yuki stressed the need to broaden focus beyond becoming just a role model. He advised, “Whatever your passion is, you must follow it and work hard.” He also mentioned how fortunate he feels due to the increasing attention MMA is receiving and the opportunities arising from it.
