A recent Qawwali performance at a martial arts club in Lahore has taken the internet by storm. The event, held at the H UFC Martial Arts Club in DHA, featured a traditional Qawwali act staged inside a UFC-style fighting cage — an unexpected mix that left social media users both amused and puzzled.
The viral clip shows Qawwals performing passionately inside the cage while the audience sits around the ring, cheering and enjoying the soulful music. In another surprising moment, spectators can be seen throwing money into the cage as the Qawwali performance continues.
The event, which featured renowned Qawwal Sher Mian Dad Khan, combined two entirely different worlds — spiritual music and combat sports. Despite the unusual setup, attendees described it as a vibrant and memorable evening filled with rhythm, emotion, and energy.
However, reactions online were mixed. Some users admired the creativity behind hosting a Qawwali performance in such an unconventional setting, calling it a refreshing way to celebrate Pakistan’s diverse culture. Others criticized the idea, arguing that it disrespected both the musical tradition and the sport.
One user commented, “I can’t believe a Qawwali is happening inside a UFC cage!” while another wrote, “This is humiliating for martial arts. The money thrown could have been used to promote the sport instead.”
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Traditionally, Qawwali has been an integral part of South Asian culture, performed at shrines, festivals, and celebrations. But hosting it inside a UFC-style cage has taken this centuries-old art form to a whole new arena — quite literally.
