CHIMPU, 23 Aug: Aturto 4.2 concluded on Saturday before a sold-out crowd at the Artisan-Cum-Exhibition Centre here, delivering a night of mixed martial arts action featuring submission finishes, stoppages, and closely contested decisions.
The event featured five semi-professional bouts, three professional contests, and a crucial development in the Aturto flyweight grand prix, with Amit Amaurya and Limasunep Imchen 'Naga Zombie' advancing to the final, which is scheduled for December.
The evening's semi-professional action opened with Miding Pada defeating Bubul Taid by RNC at 3:24 of the first round.
Lamgu Nillo secured a third-round TKO victory over Narang Napa, with the stoppage coming at 3:55 of Round 3.
Reri Dedu defeated Sajal Chaudhary by unanimous decision after going the distance.
Biri Nikum edged past Thoidingjam Goroba by split decision in another closely contested bout.
The semi-professional card concluded with Kenjo Lollen defeating Vikas Gupta by RNC at 1:24 of the third round.
The professional card began with an early finish as Darren Kharshandy defeated Rahul Thakuri by TKO at 3:27 of the first round.
Yumter Taipodia went the distance against Chinglemba Ningomba, securing a unanimous decision victory.
The professional action concluded with Lalngaihawma defeating Diyo Rimo by unanimous decision.
The Aturto flyweight grand prix saw an unexpected change to its scheduled semifinals after two fighters were unable to make the required weight.
Amit Amaurya, who was scheduled to face Fahad Khan, advanced directly to the final after Khan was unable to make weight.
Similarly, Limasunep Imchen, popularly known as 'Naga Zombie', was scheduled to face Lian Nun. Imchen also advanced directly to the final after Nun was unable to make the required weight.
The result sets up the Aturto flyweight grand prix final between Amit Amaurya and Limasunep Imchen 'Naga Zombie', scheduled for December.
The two fighters will now have the opportunity to settle the grand prix championship inside the cage later this year.
The weight-miss issue has prompted Aturto to review its existing approach to weight management and athlete accountability.
Speaking during the post-event press briefing, Aturto CEO Higio Taarak said the promotion intends to strengthen its weight policy, emphasising that making weight is an important responsibility in professional MMA.
Taarak highlighted the impact that a missed weight can have on an opponent who has spent weeks preparing specifically for the contest.
"When one fighter makes the weight and the opponent doesn't, it takes a toll on the fighter who has done everything right. He has trained hard, maintained his weight and prepared for that particular opponent. When the opponent misses weight, that fighter may not get the opportunity to showcase his skills in the way he had prepared to," he said.
He also pointed to the effect on the promotion and its audience.
"For a promotion, it is also a disadvantage because fans wait for these fights for months. They invest their time and excitement into seeing these matchups. When a fight is affected because one fighter has not made weight, it affects the experience for everyone."
Taarak said Aturto will work towards a more robust weight policy that places greater emphasis on accountability, preparation and professionalism among fighters competing under the promotion.
Aturto 4.2 marked another significant night for mixed martial arts in Arunachal Pradesh, with a packed Artisan-Cum-Exhibition Centre witnessing fighters compete across semi-professional, professional and grand prix bouts.
The sold-out attendance reflects the growing interest in MMA in the region and the audience that Aturto has built around the sport.
For Aturto, the event was not only about the results inside the cage but also about continuing to build a professional platform for fighters from Arunachal and beyond.
With the flyweight grand prix now down to Amit Amaurya and Limasunep Imchen 'Naga Zombie', attention turns to December, when the two fighters are scheduled to meet for the grand prix championship.
