Himalayan Cheetah Abiral Ghimire Wins HEAT59 Fight in Japan
Nepali kickboxing star Abiral Ghimire, widely known as the “Himalayan Cheetah,” has delivered another powerful performance in Japan, reportedly knocking out French fighter Mathan Choinard in the second round of the main event at HEAT59.
The professional combat sports event was held on September 5, 2026, at the Kariya City Industrial Promotion Center’s Aioi Hall in Aichi Prefecture, Japan. HEAT’s official pre-event listing advertised Ghimire for an ISKA K-rules super-welterweight world championship bout, scheduled over five three-minute rounds.
According to reports, Ghimire faced France’s Mathan Choinard and ended the contest in the second minute of Round 2 with a powerful punching attack. The reports describe Choinard as a 2025 world champion and say the victory earned Ghimire another world championship success.
The victory further strengthens Ghimire’s reputation as one of Nepal’s most successful professional kickboxers competing on the international stage.
Another Explosive Finish for the ‘Himalayan Cheetah’
Ghimire has built his fighting identity around an aggressive style and formidable finishing power.
Post-fight reports put his international record at 21 victories from 29 bouts, including 20 wins by knockout or stoppage. While the complete updated record has yet to be reflected across major international fight databases following HEAT59, his long history of knockout victories in Japan is well documented.
The Nepal-born fighter competes out of Shimura Dojo in Japan and has established himself across promotions including HEAT, K-1 and Krush.
His latest victory follows one of the biggest moments of his career in May 2025.
Ghimire’s Memorable Krush Championship Victory
On May 18, 2025, Ghimire challenged Japanese champion Jinku Oda for the Krush super-welterweight title at Krush.175 in Osaka.
Ghimire dropped Oda twice in the opening round before continuing his attack in Round 2. A combination of punches eventually sent Oda down again, prompting Oda’s corner to throw in the towel.
The official K-1/Krush result records the finish as a TKO at 1 minute 15 seconds of Round 2, making Ghimire the new Krush super-welterweight champion.
That victory was particularly significant because Ghimire already held championship credentials in HEAT and ISKA competition. Ahead of the Oda fight, K-1 described him as the HEAT kick middleweight champion and ISKA Intercontinental super-welterweight champion.
His success against Oda added another major championship to a career that has increasingly placed a Nepali fighter at the centre of Japan’s competitive kickboxing scene.
HEAT59 Adds Another Chapter to His Japan Journey
HEAT’s official promotional material listed Ghimire as the main-event fighter for HEAT59 and identified him as representing Nepal and Shimura Dojo. The promotion scheduled the headline contest as an ISKA K-rules super-welterweight world championship fight.
There is, however, one detail that remains to be officially clarified.
HEAT’s pre-fight card originally listed China’s Li Bolin as Ghimire’s opponent, while post-event reports from several Nepali outlets identify France’s Mathan Choinard as the fighter Ghimire defeated. As of publication, HEAT’s website has not posted a detailed official result explaining the apparent opponent change.
Victory Followed by Concern for Nepal Flood Victims
Following his victory, Ghimire also turned attention away from the ring and toward Nepal.
Nepali reports said the fighter expressed sorrow over the devastating floods that struck Rasuwa and communities along the Bhote Koshi-Trishuli river corridor, while pledging support for affected families. He also thanked supporters who have continued to encourage him throughout his international career.
The flooding began on August 26, 2026, when a massive flash flood surged through the Bhote Koshi and continued downstream into the Trishuli river system. Government and WHO information confirms that several districts were affected and that search, rescue and emergency response operations followed the disaster.
The disaster has caused severe loss of life and widespread destruction across the Nepal-Tibet border region, with rescue and recovery efforts continuing into September.
For Ghimire, the latest result represents more than another stoppage victory. Through years of competition in Japan, the “Himalayan Cheetah” has steadily built a profile in international kickboxing while carrying Nepal’s flag into some of the sport’s most competitive arenas.
And with another emphatic finish now added to his career, his presence on Japan’s kickboxing stage continues to grow.
