Matty Iann Out, Rabindra Dhant to Face Filipino Fighter Kimbert Alintozon in Road to UFC
Nepal’s MMA star Rabindra Dhant will now face a new opponent in Road to UFC Season 5, after Australia’s Matty Iann pulled out due to injury.
Stepping in is Filipino fighter Kimbert Alintozon, who accepted the fight on short notice. The bout remains scheduled for May 28, 2026, at the Galaxy Arena in Macau.
Matty Iann was forced to withdraw after suffering a serious right knee injury during training camp. In a social media post, he described it as the “biggest curveball” of his career, saying he was devastated but staying positive.
The withdrawal, confirmed around April 8–9, left organizers scrambling to keep the bantamweight bracket intact, and Alintozon answered the call.
Nicknamed “The Hunter,” Alintozon brings a professional record of 7 wins and 3 losses. He is known in the regional circuit, particularly through the Zeus Fight League.
Originally a flyweight, Alintozon is moving up to the bantamweight division (61.2 kg) for this fight, making this both a risk and a massive opportunity in his career.
He joins a growing list of Filipino fighters making waves in Asian MMA, alongside compatriot Eros Baluyot in this season’s tournament.
For Rabindra Dhant, the change brings a different kind of test. While he was preparing for a more balanced opponent in Matty Iann, Alintozon’s speed and movement as a former flyweight could pose new challenges inside the cage.
Still, early expert predictions continue to favor Dhant, who holds a strong 9–1 record and carries knockout power into the bout.
The “Tiger of Bajhang” rose to fame after winning the bantamweight title at Matrix Fight Night, becoming the first Nepali to claim gold in the promotion.
Road to UFC remains a direct path to the Ultimate Fighting Championship, where only the best earn contracts.
For Nepal, Dhant’s journey is already historic. But with the opponent switch, the pressure and unpredictability has only increased.
One win in Macau could still push him closer to becoming the first Nepali fighter in the UFC.
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