By Tsering Dhundup
DHARAMSHALA, Aug. 2: Tibetan mixed martial artist Rinchen Griffithsgolha claimed the ‘Call Out Championship’ flyweight amateur title with a TKO victory over Rienel Tom Bronilla in the second round. The bout took place on July 29, in Cambridge, England.
With an amateur fighting record of 3-4-0 (win-loss-draw) and a current ranking of 78th among 292 active UK/Ireland Amateur Bantamweights, Rinchen Griffithsgolha’s journey to the championship has been characterized by determination and fortitude. The recent triumph follows his third-round TKO win against Sherzod Kapralov at Bloodline Fight Series 1 on May 14, 2023.
Rinchen’s path to success was not without its challenges. Making his debut at Fightstar Championship 14 on April 14, 2018, he faced Ghenadie Buliza and experienced a loss through a split decision. Despite early setbacks, Rinchen’s commitment to his craft propelled him forward.
In subsequent bouts, he encountered fierce opposition, leading to unanimous decision losses against Popa Cornel Lonet on December 14, 2019, and Flobatar Fares on November 6, 2021. However, his persistence paid off when he claimed victory over Aydin Berk at Contenders 32 on April 2, 2022, securing a unanimous decision win.
In his fifth match against Oscar Ferydooni at Fightster Championship 22 on July 15, 2022, Rinchen faced another unanimous decision loss. Nevertheless, he used each experience as an opportunity for growth, proving his resilience and dedication to the sport.
Hailing from London, United Kingdom, Rinchen Griffithsgolha takes pride in representing his multicultural heritage. With a Tibetan father from Kham and a mother of mixed heritage from different parts of the world, he embraces his roots and carries the Tibetan flag on the professional stage.
Rinchen told Phayul, “My journey through MMA has been quite difficult. I have had many injuries over my time training and also taken many losses in my career, but I have improved fight to fight.” Through his journey, he has gained a strong following from the Tibetan community, who stand firmly by his side to counter any negativity he encounters, particularly from Chinese trolls on social media.
“My future aspirations are to eventually become a professional and represent Tibet and hold the Tibetan flag high on a professional stage,” Rinchen asserted, outlining his long-term goals.
Rinchen Griffithsgolha’s victory in the Call Out Championship flyweight amateur title bout cements his position as a rising star in the realm of mixed martial arts. His dedication to self-improvement and commitment to his heritage serve as an inspiration to aspiring fighters and fans around the world.
As Rinchen continues his journey, the Tibetan community eagerly awaits his future endeavours, and with each step, he carries the dreams and aspirations of Tibet with him, inspiring countless others to follow their passions and achieve greatness in their pursuits.
