Kurdish MMA fighter Namo Fazil delivered a career-defining victory at the MVP MMA 1 event inside the Intuit Dome in Los Angeles, California, earning a second-round submission win over Jake Babian in front of a global Netflix audience on Saturday night, May 16, 2026.
Fazil, a rising welterweight contender known for his aggressive Muay Thai style and strong Kurdish identity, has built a growing international fanbase by proudly representing the Kurdish nation throughout his fighting career. He showcased his evolving grappling skills by finishing Babian with an anaconda choke just 58 seconds into the second round, improving his professional record to 10-1.
Hours before the fight, Fazil shared a message to Kurdish supporters around the world, promising to “write history” and honor the Kurdish flag. After the victory, he raised the Kurdish flag in the center of the arena, drawing emotional reactions from Kurdish fans across the diaspora.
The night gained even more attention after Fazil used his post-fight interview to call out UFC contender Arman Tsarukyan over previous online remarks regarding the Kurdish community, leading to a tense confrontation that reportedly required security intervention backstage.
With the victory, Namo Fazil further established himself as one of the most recognized Kurdish athletes in international mixed martial arts.
