New Delhi, May 3: Indian MMA fighter Sonam Zomba delivered a commanding performance to defeat Brazil’s Maristela Alves and successfully defend her Women’s Strawweight Championship at Matrix Fight Night 18, held on May 2, 2026, at the Shaheed Vijay Singh Pathik Indoor Sports Complex, marking another milestone in her growing career.

With this victory, Zomba extended her unbeaten run since returning to competition, reinforcing her status as one of India’s leading mixed martial artists in the strawweight division.

Pema Khandu congratulated the fighter, stating that her achievement has brought pride to Arunachal Pradesh and continues to inspire young athletes, particularly from the Northeast.

After the fight, Zomba dedicated the victory to her home state and its people, while also highlighting the growing interest in combat sports among youth from the Northeast—especially women—and expressing hope that more will be encouraged to pursue the sport.