January 15, 2025
January 15, 2025
ITANAGAR, Dec 10: Mixed martial arts in India is set for a transformative leap as ATURTO, an MMA promotion based in Arunachal Pradesh, gears up to host its first professional event, “ATURTO 2.3: The Next Chapter”, on December 21 at the Waii International Hotel here.
Founded by Higio Taarak in April 2023, ATURTO has rapidly established itself as a major player in the Northeast’s sporting landscape, completing five successful editions across Arunachal Pradesh. The upcoming event represents the organization’s official transition to professional status, offering a platform for fighters from across India and abroad.
“This event is not just about fights; it’s about creating career pathways for athletes from Arunachal and the Northeast in professional MMA,” said Taarak.
He emphasized the ATURTO’s role in promoting athlete development and inclusivity.
Addressing media at the Press Club here, Taarak announced that the fight card for ATURTO 2.3 is packed with exciting bouts.
In the main event, South Korean bantamweight fighter Kim Jun Seok of Team POMA will face Assam’s Punyajit Likharu. Other professional bouts include flyweight matches featuring Jeko Laishram of Manipur against Laki Weshi of Arunachal, Kishore from Karnataka taking on Oiyo Rimo of Arunachal and PMS Owangliana of Mizoram squaring off against Nisham Waii of Arunachal.
Anubhav Kumar from Uttar Pradesh will also compete against Nyke Singpho of Arunachal in the bantamweight division.
The semi-professional card showcases emerging talent, with Adnan Deshmukh from Maharashtra clashing with Yumter Talpodia of Arunachal in a catchweight fight. Synrop Wahlang of Meghalaya will go up against Lomdik Tath of Arunachal in a strawweight bout, while Pankaj Das from Assam takes on Onseng Lee Singpho Shwkhaw of Arunachal in the bantamweight division.
Other matchups include Kago Tamang of Arunachal fighting Gyamar Aviro in a flyweight contest and Bantiplang Khongwir of Meghalaya facing Sonam Wangchuk of Arunachal in a featherweight bout.
ATURTO has also focused on community engagement through its ‘Get Stronger with ATURTO’ campaign, which includes fitness and MMA workshops in collaboration with the Arunachal Press Club (APC), Nigla Rehab Khamir, and local police.
The promotion has further emphasized inclusivity by holding auditions for ring girls, challenging stereotypes and celebrating diversity in the sport.
“The event positions Arunachal as a rising hub for combat sports, offering local athletes a global platform. We are setting the stage for the Northeast to shine in the world of MMA,” Taarak said.
