Almaty, Kazakhstan – A historic night for combat sports concluded at the Almaty Arena as the inaugural IBA NOMAD 14 joint tournament captivated a capacity of 13,000 spectators. 

The event, a strategic partnership between the International Boxing Association (IBA) and Nomad Fighting, lived up to its billing as a high-octane spectacle, showcasing the evolution of mixed martial arts.

The night culminated in the highly anticipated rematch for the lightweight title. In a clash that kept the crowd on their feet, Zhuman “Arlan” Zhumabekov (Kazakhstan) and Rosa Freire Lewandowski (Brazil) pushed each other to the absolute limit. Zhumabekov reclaimed his status with a clinical performance winning by a technical knockout. The bout served as a fitting finale to a night defined by elite athleticism and raw intensity.

The unprecedented interest in the tournament, evidenced by the Almaty Arena and massive digital engagement, underscores the success of the IBA’s new strategic direction. Chris Roberts OBE, IBA Secretary General & CEO, expressed his satisfaction with the event’s impact:

“Tonight in Almaty, we witnessed something truly special. Seeing 10,000 passionate fans at the arena is a testament to the incredible appetite for this innovative format. The level of competition was world-class, and the atmosphere was electric from the very first bout. This partnership with Nomad Fighting has allowed us to bridge traditional values with modern sports entertainment, and the results speak for themselves. This is a bold step forward in our mission to bring elite boxing to new audiences globally.”

The main card featured a string of standout performances that resonated with the local audience:

• The Return of Arman Ashimov (Kazakhstan): The “People’s Champion” proved his legendary status once again in his clash against Dishot Narkuziev (Uzbekistan), providing one of the most emotional moments of the evening and clinching the victory by the technical knockout.

• Zhalgas Zhumagulov (Kazakhstan): The former UFC star made a successful transition to the IBA Nomad platform, demonstrating his technical versatility against Kairat Nurbaev (Kyrgyzstan) and produced a knockout win.

• Title Grudge Match: The rivalry between Vasif Abbasov (Kazakhstan) and Isa “Tandovskiy” Isaev (Russia) reached its boiling point in a fiercely contested battle for the lightweight belt which ended in a technical knockout performed by Abbasov.

IBA NOMAD 14 Official Results

• Main Event: Zhuman Zhumabekov (Kazakhstan) vs Rosa Freire Lewandowski (Brazil) – Zhumabekov won by technical knockout.

• Co-Main Event: Vasif Abbasov (Kazakhstan) vs Isa Isaev (Russia) – Abbasov won by technical knockout.

• Arman Ashimov (Kazakhstan) vs Dishot Narkuziev (Uzbekistan) – Ashimov won by technical knockout.

• Zhalgas Zhumagulov (Kazakhstan) vs Kairat Nurbaev (Kyrgyzstan) – Zhumagulov won by knockout.

Title fight (Bantamweight)

Aidos “Alim” Zhapparbergenov (Kazakhstan) vs Asror “Vozhak” Akparkhodjayev (Tajikistan) — Draw

Main card

Zhalgas “Zhako” Zhumagulov (Kazakhstan) vs Kairat “Ataman” Nurbay Uulu (Kyrgyzstan) — Zhumagulov wins by knockout

Arman “Mustafa Ozturk” Ashimov (Kazakhstan) vs Dilshod “Showtime” Norkuziyev (Tajikistan) — Ashimov wins by technical knockout

Bekzhan “Aiu” Bakirov (Kazakhstan) vs Oomatbek Elshoro Uulu (Kyrgyzstan) — Bakirov wins by decision

Ibragim Islamov (Russia) vs Kalys Akylbaev (Kyrgyzstan) — Islamov won by technical knockout

Prelims

Temerulan “Underdog” Shashubay (Kazakhstan) vs Timur “Fartovyi” Abdurahmanov (Russia) — Abdurahmanov won by technical knockout

Erali “Big Boss” Boyqobilov vs Safarali “Shef” Rajabov (show match) — Boyqobilov wins by decision

Dastan “Kazakh Diamonds” Beken (Kazakhstan) vs Abdurakhman “Asiat” Abdurakhmanov (Kyrgyzstan) — Abdurakhmanov wins by decision

Kanat “Kanski Festival” Kulmagambetov (Kazakhstan) vs Bobur “Aziatski Lev” Abdulazizov (Uzbekistan) — Kulmagambetov wins by technical knockout

Shahobiddin “Uzbeksky Levsha” Egamov (Uzbekistan) vs Ernar “Storm” Khusainov (Kazakhstan) — Egamov wins by decision

Azamat “Zlo” Bakytov (Kazakhstan) vs Shokhrukh “Uzbeksky Tank” Ilkhomov (Uzbekistan) — Bakytov wins by unanimous decision

Bekzat Amanzholov (Kazakhstan) vs Ali “Batyr” Batyrbekov (Kazakhstan) — Batyrbekov wins by first-round technical knockout

The full replay of the historic night in Almaty is available on the IBA YouTube channel.