CULTURE — March 24, 2026
Afghan MMA Fighter Wahdatullah Nezhand Set for FNC Debut Against Argentine Staropoli
Afghan MMA fighter Wahdatullah Nezhand, with a 10-2 professional record, will debut in the FNC cage against Argentine Staropoli (13-7) on 19 Thawr 1405. The bout is described by FNC as a clash of power versus experience.
The Ehtebar Desk — originates with Afghanistan International — corroborated by Khaama Press — 2 min read

Afghan mixed martial arts fighter Wahdatullah Nezhand is scheduled to make his debut with the FNC organization against Argentine fighter Staropoli on 19 Thawr 1405.
Nezhand signed a contract with FNC at the end of Jadi 1404. He holds a professional record of 10 wins and 2 losses in 12 bouts and enters the fight with four consecutive victories. Previously competing in the Octagon organization, Nezhand was selected as the best athlete of the year in his weight class.
His last fight in Octagon was against Tajik athlete Shokhnazarov. Despite sustaining a severe injury that appeared to leave him knocked out, Nezhand won by submitting his opponent with a Kimura technique.
Staropoli has a record of 13 wins and 7 losses. He is a former lightweight champion of the ARES organization and has previously fought in the UFC and PFL.
The FNC organization describes the matchup as a clash of different styles, testing power against experience. It considers the fight one of the sensitive and dangerous bouts in the competitions.
According to the FNC organization, Nezhand will enter the cage at full strength for his first appearance to demonstrate his abilities. The organization's headquarters is located in Zagreb, Croatia, per the Tapology website.
The fight presents a challenge for both athletes, with Nezhand having a history of finding ways to victory in tough encounters.
Read the original reporting at Afghanistan International →
Reliability assessment
Corroborated by two independent outlets (Afghanistan International, Khaama Press) reporting the scheduled FNC debut fight of Wahdatullah Nezhand against Staropoli on 19 Thawr 1405, including consistent details on records and background.
The source language mixes facts with framing or advocacy wording. Afghanistan International: "shining performance" (عملکرد درخشانی) - praises the athlete's achievements with positive emotional loading; "memorable encounter" (دیدار بهیادماندنی) - adds dramatic framing to the event; "always shown that in tough fights, he finds a way to victory" (همواره نشان داده است که در مبارزههای سخت، راهی برای پیروزی پیدا میکند) - advocacy phrasing portraying the fighter as resilient and unbeatable.
Across the newsrooms
Where reports agree
- Wahdatullah Nezhand is scheduled to fight Staropoli in FNC Cage on 19 Thawr 1405
- Nezhand's fight record: 10 wins, 2 losses
- Staropoli's fight record: 13 wins, 7 losses
- Nezhand's background in Octagon and recent wins
- FNC HQ in Zagreb per Tapology
Filed by 2 outlets
Afghanistan International
Originating
Framed
Framed
Khaama Press
Framed
Framed
Filed under
Culture — Wahdatullah Nezhand, FNC Cage, Staropoli, MMA, Afghan fighter
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