Maliha Ali beats two-time European champ at IMMAF Worlds
The 24-year-old from Hunza took a split decision over Russia’s Veronika Drozdova in featherweight and will meet Mexico’s Andrea Gabriela Guzman Salazar in the quarterfinals.
Maliha Ali of Hunza beat Russia’s Veronika Drozdova by split decision in Tbilisi.
The bout was in the featherweight (65.8kg) division at the IMMAF World Championships.
She advances to Wednesday’s quarterfinal against Mexico’s Andrea Gabriela Guzman Salazar.
Her twin sister Manesha Ali also fights on Wednesday, against Poland’s Martyna Caruk.
Pakistan MMA Federation president Omar Ahmed said a six-week camp and added grappling coaching helped the win.