Shillong, Sep 23: The X1.In Championship, a national mixed martial arts (MMA) event sanctioned by MMA India, began in Shillong on Saturday at the Laban SC Indoor Stadium.
After a couple of losses for local boys, Johnny Nongrum secured a close victory against Aditya Sanil in the final bout of the opening day in the professional category.
It was a gruelling contest, in which Nongrum at first received a warning for gouging before this was later overturned and the Meghalayan won 29-28, 29-28, 29-28.
The venue thronged with many knowledgeable and passionate fans who cheered on their favourite contestants. Besides Nongrum there are 13 other Meghalayans who entered the competition.
The Shillong edition of the X1.In Championship, the first of its kind to come to the Meghalaya capital, is being organised by CR Projects. The tournament was opened by Special Superintendent of Police Mariahom Kharkrang.
Even fights in the amateur category were conducted at a high level, with knockouts, points and submissions deciding the individual contests.
Both amateur and professional fights are of three rounds. Each round of the amateur fights is of three minutes, while the rounds in the professional fights are of five minutes. There is plenty more action in store today Sunday, the final day, which will begin at 4:00pm
