Haider Khan: Flying the flag for British Pakistani MMA

Hailing from Oldham, Haider Khan is emerging as one of the most important figures in British MMA, not only for his performances inside the cage but for what he represents outside of it. Before discovering mixed martial arts, Khan was a talented rugby league player, representing the Salford Academy during his youth. It wasn’t until 2018 that he transitioned into MMA, quickly finding a new calling that aligned with his athleticism, discipline, and competitive drive.

Now 26 years old, Khan proudly carries the mantle as the number one Pakistani-heritage MMA fighter in the world, embracing his South Asian roots with humility and purpose. Well spoken and grounded, he is increasingly viewed as a future role model for British South Asians and aspiring Pakistani fighters globally. Khan trains out of Aspire Combat Sports Academy in Liverpool, working under head coach Phil Turner. While Aspire may not carry the mainstream recognition of some Liverpool gyms, it is rich in coaching knowledge and technical depth, and has proven the ideal environment for Khan’s development.

A grappling base sharpened by evolving striking

Nicknamed “Darth”, a nod to his love of Star Wars and his clinical finishing instincts, Khan is a Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt with strong wrestling fundamentals. Grappling remains the cornerstone of his game, but his striking has improved significantly over the past two years. The addition of respected Merseyside boxing coach Joe Tonks has been pivotal, giving Khan sharper hands, improved shot selection, and growing confidence in exchanges.

Physically, Khan is built perfectly for the middleweight division. Standing at 6’4”, he carries his frame well, combining height and reach with strength and balance rather than a lanky build. His professional record sits at 10-1, and he enters this bout on a six-fight winning streak, firmly establishing momentum. That surge began to capture global attention in spectacular fashion during his PFL debut in Dubai, where his first-round TKO over Mostafa Rashed Nada went viral, amassing over 19 million views online. A teep kick thrown by Khan caused Nada to break his arm while attempting to block, resulting in a shocking and unforgettable stoppage.

Khan followed that with a composed, mature performance against Sean McCormac in Belfast, securing a unanimous decision over three rounds. That fight showcased his evolution, particularly in his striking confidence, which grew visibly as the bout progressed. As a result of these performances, Khan has now entered the PFL’s top 10 middleweight rankings, currently sitting at number ten.

Fight breakdown and prediction

Khan returns to action this weekend, February 7, as part of the PFL’s flagship Road to Dubai event. He faces Brazilian Jhony Gregory, a 32-year-old with a professional record of 9-5. Gregory has fluctuated across both middleweight and light-heavyweight in recent years and carries legitimate power, with over half of his wins coming by KO or TKO. He favours front kicks to manage range, but his looping punches can leave him exposed during exchanges.

That vulnerability was evident in Gregory’s most recent outing, where he suffered a TKO loss to Boris Atangana in September 2025 after overcommitting offensively. Against a composed, technically sound fighter like Khan, those defensive lapses could prove costly. Khan’s advantages in grappling, control, and increasingly confident striking suggest multiple paths to victory.

With confidence high following his last appearance in Dubai, and momentum firmly on his side, this feels like another statement opportunity. Expect Khan to use his hands to create openings before transitioning to his world-class grappling.

Prediction: Haider Khan to win by finish inside the distance, dropping Gregory before securing a submission or ground-and-pound stoppage