VideoThe ‘arm collector’: pioneering Pakistan woman MMA fighter breaks barriers

Growing up in the rugged northern reaches of Pakistan, Anita Karim honed her combat skills fighting with three older brothers who pulled no punches.

The bruising experience prepared her for a career in Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) – blending Thai kickboxing, Japanese judo and wrestling – and has led her to becoming the nation’s pre-eminent woman fighter.

Eight years ago, she won the right to enter the ring, swiftly becoming Pakistan’s first internationally competing woman MMA fighter.