Legendary boxer Mike Tyson launches Kumite 1 League in Mumbai

Amongst all the hype and buzz, India's first global mixed martial arts competition, Kumite 1 League was launched in Mumbai. The make it sweeter, the occasion was graced by legendary heavyweight boxer Mike Tyson. 

Along with the former American boxer, Sheikh Tahnoon, the Prince of Abu Dabi and Mohamedali Bhuwani, CMD of Toyani Industries were also in attendance. The K1 League is the first MMA league of its kind, wherein players will represent their countries in a team format. 

Supported by the All India Mixed Martial Arts Federation, the league is slated to roll out by the second quarter of 2019. Therefore, in an attempt create buzz for the eight-team tournament, the Kumite 1 League will be flagged off with a exhibition bout between India and UAE.

The 24 world class MMA players representing Team India and UAE will engage in vigorous combat at the much anticipated Fight Night. The fight is scheduled to take place at the NSCI Dome in Mumbai, and for viewers who can't make it to the venue, the fight will be telecast live on the Sony Six network at 7:00 PM IST. 

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The star attraction at the event will be former undisputed world heavyweight champion, Mike Tyson, who is making his maiden visit to India. Talking about the launch of KL1 in India, Mike said:  "I'm very happy to be in India to launch Kumite 1 League. MMA is a fabulous discipline and it is very heartening to see the sport grow everywhere in the world. I'm told that MMA is yet to catch up in India, and I hope that the Kumite 1 League will be the catalyst to the growth of this sport in the country." 

Revealing of his itinerary during his stay in India, Tyson plans a customary tourist visit to the Taj Mahal. Apart from that, the American boxing legend admitted to be a follower of cricket, a sport which has a immense fan-following in India. 

The press conference was followed by in a public event of all the fighters at the High Street Phoenix mall, Lower Parel. The raucous crowd present at the event looked to be in awe after getting a glimpse of the star boxer. 

In association with AIMMAF, the Kumite 1 League have also launched a programme to scout for the raw, untapped MMA talent across the nooks and corners of India.

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