Kathmandu, Aug. 22 -- When Nepal's Rabindra Dhant, aka 'Bajhang ko Baagh', enters the octagon to clash with New Zealand's Kasib 'Murderer' Murdoch in Shanghai, China, on Friday, he will be in for what his coach describes as his toughest fight so far. Both bantamweights boast impressive records: Dhant stands at 10-1 in pro MMA, while Murdoch remains undefeated at 8-0. One can expect a thrilling showdown as the two battle it out inside the octagon to claim the coveted UFC contract.

Outside the octagon, however, the fight has already begun. In fact, it started months ago. After Murdoch defeated Yunosuke Minami in Macau on May 28, he announced, "I am fighting Mr Dhant from Nepal. I'm actually very excited about this fight." Earlier that day,...