A Bhutanese fighter has made history in Mixed Martial Arts. 30-year-old Tsheltrim Rabgyel has become the first person from Bhutan to step into the MMA cage and win an amateur MMA lightweight title in the Canadian Fight League, while holding an undefeated record of four wins and no losses in his career.
Tsheltrim’s passion for martial arts began in childhood. Inspired by legends such as Jackie Chan, Bruce Lee and Jet Li, and the World Wrestling Federation, he dreamed of becoming a fighter.
He began practising taekwondo at the age of eight.
Although he was introduced to mixed martial arts in his mid-teens when he reached Canada, he only committed to the sport seriously at 26, an age many consider late to begin a fighting career.
Drawing on his background in taekwondo and wrestling, he adapted quickly to MMA. Within two years of focused training, he entered competition and built an impressive record.
Alongside MMA, he has competed in kickboxing bouts and more than 20 jiu-jitsu and grappling matches, as well as other forms of martial arts.
His journey, however, has not been without challenges. In his early training years, Tsheltrim struggled with personal difficulties, including addiction and a lack of discipline.
Choosing to pursue a fighting career required significant sacrifice, including stepping away from social life and dedicating himself fully to training and work.
Today, carrying the Bhutanese flag into the MMA cage represents more than personal achievement.
“I feel very proud, especially knowing that I’m the first one to carry the Bhutanese flag in the cage because I know there are a lot of actual boxers, kick boxers, Muay Thai from Bhutan who carried the Bhutanese flag in the ring, but nobody has done it in the cage. So I feel very proud to be the first one to carry a Bhutanese flag in the cage,” said Tsheltrim Rabgyel, Amateur MMA Fighter, Bhutan.
After retirement, he aims to open a gym and promote MMA in Bhutan, with the dream of producing future Bhutanese fighters for the global stage.
“I’m hoping to fight until 38. Then, after that, when I retire from fighting, I want to open a gym and start coaching. And maybe I can take MMA back to Bhutan and teach our young generation the MMA, and maybe in the future, you never know, we might have a lot of UFC fighters from Bhutan,” added Tsheltrim Rabgyel, Amateur MMA Fighter, Bhutan.
From a young boy in Pema Gatshel inspired by martial arts icons to becoming Bhutan’s first MMA champion, Tsheltrim Rabgyel’s journey reflects perseverance, transformation and national pride.
Namgay Wangdi
Edited by Tshering Zam
