Colombo Emerges as a Global Combat Sports Hub
Packed house, bright lights, and pure adrenaline – KFL fight night electrifies Taprobane, Rajagiriya.
Colombo is stepping onto the world stage as a premier destination for sports tourism with the sixth edition of Karma Fight League (KFL 006). More than just a fight night, this event symbolizes Sri Lanka’s growing stature in international combat sports and entertainment, drawing athletes, fans, and media from across the globe.
This year’s lineup is stacked with international talent from the USA, UK, India, Pakistan, and beyond. It is headlined by former UFC fighter Will Chope, whose return to Sri Lanka adds both star power and historic significance.
Alongside him, the fiercely anticipated India vs. Pakistan clash promises electrifying rivalries, while Sri Lanka’s own rising stars take center stage to showcase local talent against global competition. KFL’s story is as inspiring as its fights. Kaushika Withanage and Ilham founded the league with nothing more than an idea and four presentation slides pitched to sponsors. In 2023, KFL 001 debuted at Taprobane, Rajagiriya, and since then, four consecutive sold-out events have drawn crowds of over 1,000 spectators each. KFL 006 will push boundaries further, blending kickboxing, mixed martial arts, karate, and Muay Thai into a spectacle under K-1 rules, a format that thrills hardcore fans and mainstream audiences.
For Kaushika, KFL is not just a league—it’s a movement. Inspired by global examples like the UFC in Abu Dhabi and Formula 1 in Singapore, he envisions Colombo as a vibrant hub for sports-driven tourism. Every international fighter who competes in Sri Lanka not only raises the level of the sport but also attracts regional and global audiences to the island’s hotels, restaurants, and venues. “At KFL in
Cinnamon Life, we’re showcasing Sri Lanka as a venue for international events. Our aim is to establish Sri Lanka as a hub for sports and entertainment, positioning Colombo alongside global cities like Las Vegas and Singapore,” says Kaushika.
Beyond the fights, KFL invests in the future through its Fighter Development Program, providing stipends, advanced training, and international exposure for Sri Lankan athletes. Digitally, its growing broadcasting and streaming reach is already rivaling mainstream sports locally, setting the foundation for global expansion. With ambitions to rank among the top ten global fight promotions, KFL is boldly putting Sri Lanka on the world map.
October 11, 2025 Cinnamon Life
