“King Of Nepal” Post Adds Heat Before Rabindra Dhant vs Kasib Murdoch Road To UFC Semifinal

KATHMANDU, August 20, 2026

Nepal’s Rabindra Dhant and New Zealand’s undefeated Kasib Murdoch are set to fight on August 28 in Shanghai, China, in the bantamweight semifinal of Road to UFC Season 5, a tournament designed to identify emerging Asia-Pacific MMA talent for a potential UFC opportunity. Ahead of the crucial fight, attention has shifted beyond the cage after Murdoch posted a photo featuring Nepal’s flag with the words, “The King of Nepal is coming to Shanghai,” prompting reactions from Nepali fight followers and adding another layer of rivalry before the two fighters compete for a place in the tournament final.

“King Of Nepal” Post Gets Attention

Murdoch’s pre-fight post quickly became part of the conversation surrounding the matchup. By posing with Nepal’s flag and referring to himself as the “King of Nepal,” the undefeated New Zealand fighter appeared to be adding some classic pre-fight promotion to an already important contest.

The message can be read as fight hype and psychological games, something commonly seen in combat sports. But the wording also attracted a different reaction among some Nepali followers, particularly because of the use of Nepal’s national flag alongside the “King” reference.

A Short Nepali Reply Adds More Heat

The online exchange gained further attention after Diwiz responded, “You know what happens to ‘Kings’ in Nepal.”

The comment carries an obvious historical undertone for a Nepali audience, given Nepal’s transition from a centuries-old monarchy to a federal democratic republic in 2008. Rather than being part of the official sporting contest, the exchange has become part of the online buildup surrounding Dhant and Murdoch’s semifinal.

The Real Battle Comes On August 28

Away from social media, the stakes inside the cage are much clearer.

UFC has officially listed Murdoch (8-0) against Dhant (10-1) as one of two bantamweight semifinals in Road to UFC Season 5. The event takes place in Shanghai on Friday, August 28.

The winner advances to the Road to UFC final, moving one step closer to the opportunity to earn a multi-fight UFC contract.

Who Is Rabindra Dhant?

Rabindra Dhant is a 27-year-old Nepali bantamweight who has built a professional record of 10 wins and one loss. He represents LocknRoll MMA Nepal and has developed a reputation as a dangerous finisher.

According to Sherdog's current record, eight of Dhant's 10 professional victories have come by KO or TKO, alongside one submission victory and one decision win.

Dhant has also competed outside Nepal in organizations including ONE Championship and Matrix Fight Night. His only professional defeat listed by Sherdog came against Ismail Khan by unanimous decision in December 2023.

Dhant's Road To UFC Journey

Dhant reached the Shanghai semifinal after defeating the Philippines' Kimbert Alintozon in Macau on May 28.

UFC's official results show Dhant stopping Alintozon by TKO at 4:37 of Round 2. UFC described a performance in which Dhant used both grappling and ground strikes, eventually reaching mount and finishing the fight with strikes.

That victory earned him his place opposite Murdoch in the bantamweight semifinal.

Who Is Kasib Murdoch?

Kasib Murdoch is a 25-year-old New Zealand bantamweight representing Freestyle Fighting Gym. He enters the matchup with a perfect 8-0 professional MMA record, meaning Dhant will be trying to hand him the first defeat of his professional career.

Sherdog lists Murdoch's eight victories as five by KO/TKO, two by submission and one by decision, showing that he has been able to finish opponents both through striking and grappling.

His unbeaten record makes him one of the dangerous prospects remaining in the Road to UFC tournament.

Murdoch's Road To UFC Journey

Murdoch earned his semifinal spot against Japan's Yunosuke Minami during the opening round in Macau on May 28.

He secured an arm-triangle submission in Round 3 at 3:46. UFC's coverage described Murdoch taking control after realizing he could close the distance, bring the fight to the ground and maintain control.

That performance officially set up the semifinal against Dhant.

10-1 Against 8-0

The records alone make the matchup interesting.

Dhant enters at 10-1, while Murdoch arrives at 8-0. Dhant has the greater number of professional victories and significant finishing power, while Murdoch has yet to experience a professional defeat.

Both men also arrive after convincing Road to UFC opening-round finishes: Dhant by TKO and Murdoch by submission.

More Than Social Media Hype

The “King of Nepal” discussion has given fans another reason to pay attention, but the most important part of this rivalry remains the sporting opportunity ahead.

Road to UFC is designed as a pathway for leading Asia-Pacific prospects to compete for an opportunity with the UFC. The August 28 semifinal therefore represents a major career moment for both fighters, regardless of what is said before they enter the cage.

All Eyes On Shanghai

On August 28, the social-media exchanges, predictions and pre-fight hype will give way to the actual contest.

For Dhant, victory would mean advancing to the Road to UFC final while representing Nepal on an increasingly prominent international MMA stage. For Murdoch, it would preserve his unbeaten professional record and move him one fight closer to winning the tournament.

The words have already created the buildup. The answer now has to come inside the cage.