LAHORE: Kids Fight, the groundbreaking new documentary series released on VICE’s YouTube channel, is rapidly becoming one of Pakistan’s most talked-about projects offering an unfiltered look into the lives of street kids from a densely populated, working-class neighbourhood tucked within the suburbs of Lahore as they fight for identity, survival, and a future.
Within just 10 days, Episode 1 has surpassed 230,000 views, gathered nearly 800 comments, and earned 6,800 likes driven primarily by organic engagement and word of mouth.
A Raw Portrait of Pakistan’s Urban Youth
Directed by Sarah Tareen, Kids Fight goes beyond combat sports to explore the systemic challenges facing marginalized youth: poverty, limited opportunity, and exposure to violence. Set against the backdrop of Pakistan’s emerging teenage MMA scene, the series highlights how the discipline of sport can become a conduit for empowerment and transformation.
“Kids Fight isn’t just about fighting; it’s about identity, resilience, and finding your voice.”
Sarah Tareen, Director
A Gym Creating Real Change
The series centers on Bashir Ahmad, U.S. Army veteran and pioneering MMA fighter, who opened a gym in Charar Pind to provide street kids with structure, mentorship, and safety. His gym has become a lifeline, offering young fighters a place to train, grow, and envision possibilities beyond their circumstances.
A Soundtrack Rooted in Grit and Reality
A standout element of the series is its soundtrack, featuring Lyari hip hop artists Kaky Thousand and Asif Balli. Their music adds emotional depth and authenticity, echoing the urgency and hope that shape the kids’ lives.
The fusion of MMA grit and Lyari hip hop amplifies the voices of a generation fighting to break cycles stacked against them. The soundtrack doesn’t just accompany the story,it carries it, threading through the film like a pulse and underscoring each moment of struggle and triumph.
A Conversation Pakistan Needs
Kids Fight is more than a documentary- it is a social lens. By merging sport, youth culture, and raw storytelling, the series sheds light on the lived realities of Pakistan’s urban youth and sparks a necessary dialogue on the systemic issues affecting them.
With its momentum growing rapidly, Kids Fight is poised to become a landmark project in Pakistan’s documentary landscape.
Watch the episode 1 here: Turning Pakistan’s Street Kids Into MMA Fighters | Kids Fight Episode 1 – YouTube
Watch the other episodes here: Choosing Between Childhood MMA Or Pakistan Prison | Kids Fight Episode 3 – YouTube
