Pokhara, Nepal – Gandaki University proudly celebrates the historic achievement of Susmita Thapa Magar, a student of the Bachelor in Sports Management (BSM) program, who has become the first Nepali woman to win a professional Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) fight.
Competing at Ronin Fighting Championship-3 in Bengaluru, India, on August 15, 2026, Susmita defeated India’s Shalu Sharma by unanimous decision in the co-main event. The victory marks a groundbreaking moment for Nepali women’s MMA and a remarkable start to her professional career in the sport.
Currently in her 8th semester of the BSM program at Gandaki University, Susmita brings a rich background in combat sports to her MMA journey. She holds a professional Muay Thai record of 7-0 and a professional kickboxing record of 2-2. Her victory at Ronin FC-3 follows a previous win at the same promotion, where she defeated Aarti Khatri in kickboxing.
Throughout the three-round bout, Susmita demonstrated exceptional skill and dominance. In the second round, she kept Sharma on the mat for extended periods, landing powerful elbow strikes that caused a cut on her opponent’s eyebrow. Her only dissatisfaction after the fight was that she could not secure a knockout victory.
Susmita’s achievement exemplifies the vision of Gandaki University’s Bachelor in Sports Management (BSM) program—Nepal’s first and only degree of its kind. Launched to develop sports leaders and managers with critical and creative thinking skills, the BSM program prepares students for careers in sports marketing, event management, sports finance, and athletic development.
The four-year program, spread across eight semesters with 156 academic credit hours, combines theoretical knowledge with practical learning experiences. Students gain hands-on training through internships and placements in marketing, advertising, public relations, finance, and law.
“Susmita Thapa Magar’s historic victory is a proud moment for the entire Gandaki University community. Her success demonstrates the caliber of talent we nurture in our BSM program and inspires current and future students to pursue excellence in sports.”
Susmita began her athletic journey in Taekwondo before transitioning to kickboxing and Muay Thai. Her victory at Ronin FC-3 not only makes her the first Nepali woman to win a professional MMA fight but also highlights the growing potential of Nepali female fighters on the international stage.
Gandaki University extends its heartfelt congratulations to Susmita Thapa Magar for this historic achievement and wishes her continued success in her professional MMA career.