Wikipedia

Brave Combat Federation

BRAVE Combat Federation is a[1] mixed martial arts (MMA) promotion based in Bahrain. The organization was established on 23 September 2016 by Sheikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa.[2] BRAVE Combat Federation features mixed martial artists from more than 80[3] nations located in five continents. BRAVE Combat Federation events are aired though multiple media partners including El Rey Network, Combate, Myx TV, S+A ESPN 5 and Bahrain Radio and Television Corporation.[4][5]

BRAVE Combat Federation
Current season, competition or edition:
Current sports event 2026 in Brave Combat Federation
SportMixed martial arts
Founded2016; 10 years ago (2016)
FounderKhalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa
PresidentMohammed Shahid
CountryBahrain
HeadquartersSeef
Official websitewww.bravecf.com

In 2023, BRAVE Combat Federation set a new record for an MMA promotion hosting events in most number of nations after organizing events in 35 nations worldwide.[6]

The organization was formally launched in 2016 and has established operations in Dublin,[7] São Paulo and Mumbai[8] prior to launching events and for talent relations. BRAVE Combat Federation, alongside the holding company, KHK MMA and Bahrain Mixed Martial Arts Federation hosted the IMMAF World Championships in November, 2017,[9] a partnership which was renewed for 2018 and 2019[10]

In July 2021, BRAVE Combat Federation was nominated for the first time as Promotion of the Year on the World MMA Awards.[11] The organization also has global strategic partnerships with fellow fight promoters Real Xtreme Fighting (RXF), LFC, RXF, WEF, WFC, BFN, Krespost, PRO FC, RSM, Golden Cage, Oktagon, GEC, Beast CF, ATF, NFC, Hexagone MMA, Fight2One, and Victorious Fighting and Entertainment.[12][13][14]

History

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Overview

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Eldar Eldarov at Brave CF 23 being presented with the BRAVE CF Super Lightweight Championship

KHK MMA is a Bahrain based mixed martial arts organization that promotes the growth of mixed martial arts in the region.[15] KHK MMA Fight Team featured fighters from multiple promotions including Khabib Nurmagomedov, Frankie Edgar, Jose Torres[16] and James Gallagher.[17] Coaches and UFC Hall of Famers like Renzo Gracie, John Kavanagh, Bob Schirmer, and Pete Williams are also working with KHK MMA.[18]

BRAVE Combat Federation was established under KHK MMA. The promotion held its inaugural event, Brave 1: The Beginning took place in Isa Town, Bahrain, on September 23, 2016, a date which coincided with Sheikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa's birthday.[19] During its initial phase, BRAVE CF expanded into markets such as Brazil[20], India,[21] Indonesia,[22] Mexico, Jordan[23], and the United Arab Emirates, positioning itself as a promotion focused on global talent development rather than a single-region model.[24][25] BRAVE CF also hosted the first-ever International Combat Week, in partnership with the IMMAF.[26][27]

International Expansion (2018–2021)

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Between 2018 and 2021, BRAVE CF accelerated its international growth by hosting events across Europe, Asia, and Africa. The organization entered new markets including Northern Ireland[28], Morocco, and Kazakhstan.[29][30] The promotion emphasized partnerships with local organizations and regulatory bodies to develop MMA ecosystems in host countries. This period also saw an increase in athlete diversity, with fighters representing a wide range of nationalities. The events also showcased the former UFC champion and KHK MMA fighter Frankie Edgar as a color commentator[31] Later, MMA legend and BRAVE ambassador Wanderlei Silva attended the event, as well as Frankie Edgar, who served as the color commentator for the broadcast.[32] BRAVE Combat Federation became the first global MMA promotion to do a show in Africa,[33] as the organization hosted BRAVE 14, in Tangier, Morocco, on August 18.[34] The event was hosted under the patronage of King Mohammed VI, the king of Morocco.[35]

BRAVE Combat Federation kicked off 2020 with its first show in Slovenia, in partnership with WFC, the leading regional promotion in Ljubljana.[36] The organization announced BRAVE CF 35 (Brazil), BRAVE CF 36 (Romania), and BRAVE CF 37 (Sweden). However, the shows were cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic.[37] BRAVE CF returned to action in July, with BRAVE CF 35 and BRAVE CF 36 taking place in Romania,[38] in closed venues.[39]

Global Positioning and Records (2022–Present)

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BRAVE CF continued its expansion strategy by increasing the number of host countries and strengthening its presence in Europe and Asia.[40] In 2023, the promotion reported hosting events in more countries[41] than any other MMA organization. The organization has also focused on digital distribution and international broadcasting partnerships to expand its global audience reach. [42][43][44][45]

Roster

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Rules

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BRAVE Combat Federation follows the Unified Rules of Mixed Martial Arts that were originally established by the New Jersey State Athletic Control Board and modified by the Nevada State Athletic Commission.[46]

After the Association of Boxing Commissions approved the opening of new weight classes,[47] BRAVE announced it would become the first international promotion to introduce a Super Lightweight division, as well as pushing the Welterweight limit to 175 lbs.[48]

Weight divisions and champions

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BRAVE Combat Federation has following weight classes:

Weight class name Upper limit Current champion Date won Title Defenses
in pounds (lb) in kilograms (kg)
Flyweight 12556.7England Muhammad MokaevNovember 7, 20250
Bantamweight 13561.2Serbia Borislav NikolićJune 7, 20250
Featherweight 14565.8Kyrgyzstan Nemat AbdrashitovJune 23, 20230
Lightweight 15570.3Kyrgyzstan Abdisalam KubanychbekDecember 5, 20233
Super Lightweight 16574.8Bahrain Eldar EldarovApril 19, 20191
Welterweight[a] 17579.4Brazil Luiz CadoOctober 19, 20240
Middleweight 18583.9Lebanon Mohammad FakhreddineJune 7, 20250
Light Heavyweight 20593.0Bosnia and Herzegovina Erko JunSeptember 28, 20240
Heavyweight 265120.0Lithuania Pavel DailidkoSeptember 28, 20242

Championship history

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Heavyweight Championship

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206 to 265 lbs (93.4 to 120.2 kg)
No. Name Event Date Reign
(total)		 Defenses
1 Lithuania Pavel Dailidko
def. Patryk Dubiela		 Brave CF 88
Ljubljana, Slovenia		 Sep 28, 2024 626 days
(incumbent)

1. def. Odie Delaney at Brave CF 94 on May 17, 2025 2. def. Gregory Robinet at Brave CF 99 on Oct 18, 2025

Light Heavyweight Championship

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186 to 205 lbs (84.3 to 93 kg)
No. Name Event Date Reign
(total)		 Defenses
1 Brazil Klidson Abreu
def. Timo Feucht		 Brave CF 8
Curitiba, Brazil		 Aug 12, 2017 327 days

1. def. Matt Baker at Brave CF 11 on April 13, 2018

Abreu vacated his title and parted ways with BRAVE CF on July 5, 2018.[49]
2 Algeria Mohammed Said Maalem
def. Mohammad Fakhreddine		 Brave CF 52
Milan, Italy		 Aug 1, 2021 14 days
Said Maalem was stripped of the title on August 15, 2021, when his bout with Fakhreddine was overturned to a no contest due to illegal blows to the back of the head.
3 Lebanon Mohammad Fakhreddine
def. Mohammed Said Maalem		 Brave CF 57
Isa Town, Bahrain		 Mar 11, 2022 105 days
Fakhreddine vacated the title on June 24, 2022, when he left the promotion.
4 Bosnia and Herzegovina Erko Jun
def. Alexander Wesner		 Brave CF 88
Ljubljana, Slovenia		 Sep 28, 2024 385 days (Incumbent)

Middleweight Championship

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176 to 185 lbs (79.8 to 83.9 kg)
No. Name Event Date Reign
(total)		 Defenses
1 Brazil Daniel Souza Pereira
def. Chad Hanekom		 Brave CF 31
Durban, South Africa		 Dec 7, 2019 285 days
2 Lebanon Mohammad Fakhreddine Brave CF 41
Riffa, Bahrain		 Sep 17, 2020 645 days
Fakhreddine vacated the title on June 24, 2022, when he left the promotion.
3 Lebanon Mohammad Fakhreddine (2)
def. Erko Jun		 Brave CF 96
Ljubljana, Slovenia		 Jun 7, 2025 374 days
(incumbent)

Welterweight Championship

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166 to 175 lbs (75.3 kg to 79.4 kg)
In 2019 Brave CF revised this weight limit from 170 lb (77.1 kg) to its current limits.
No. Name Event Date Reign
(total)		 Defenses
1 Guyana Carlston Harris
def. Carl Booth		 Brave CF 8
Curitiba, Brazil		 Aug 12, 2017 405 days
2 Jordan Jarrah Al-Silawi Brave CF 16
Abu Dhabi, UAE		 Sep 21, 2018 210 days
3 France Abdoul Abdouraguimov Brave CF 23
Amman, Jordan		 Apr 19, 2019 168 days
4 Jordan Jarrah Al-Silawi (2) Brave CF 27
Abu Dhabi, UAE		 Oct 4, 2019 706 days

1. def. Ismail Naurdiev at Brave CF 50 on Apr 1, 2021

Al-Silawi vacated his title after signing with Professional Fighters League.
5 Poland Marcin Bandel
def. Ismail Naurdiev		 Brave CF 63
Isa Town, Bahrain		 Oct 19, 2022 422 days
6 Russia Kamal Magomedov Brave CF 77
Isa Town, Bahrain		 Dec 5, 2023 319 days
7 Brazil Luiz Cado Brave CF 89
Tenerife, Spain		 Oct 19, 2024 605 days
(incumbent)

Super Lightweight Championship

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156 to 165 lbs (70.8 kg to 74.9 kg)
No. Name Event Date Reign
(total)		 Defenses
1 Bahrain Eldar Eldarov
def. Mounir Lazzez		 Brave CF 23
Amman, Jordan		 Apr 19, 2019 2615 days
(incumbent)

1. def. Leonardo Mafra at Brave CF 46 on Jan 16, 2021

Joilton Lutterbach defeated Mihail Kotruţă for the interim Super Lightweight Championship at Brave CF 68 on December 17, 2022, but was ineligible to win the title due to missing weight.[50]

Lightweight Championship

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146 to 155 lbs (66.2 to 70.3 kg)
No. Name Event Date Reign
(total)		 Defenses
1 Germany Ottman Azaitar
def. Alejandro Martinez		 Brave CF 9
Isa Town, Bahrain		 Nov 17, 2017 671 days
Azaitar was stripped of his title and released by BRAVE on September 19, 2018 for not defending the belt[51]
- Brazil Lucas Martins
def. Luan Santiago Carvalho for interim title		 Brave CF 11
Belo Horizonte, Brazil		 Apr 13, 2018 –
2 Brazil Lucas Martins
promoted to undisputed champion		 – Sep 19, 2018 58 days
3 Jordan Abdul-Kareem Al-Selwady Brave CF 18
Isa Town, Bahrain		 Nov 16, 2018 154 days
4 Brazil Luan Santiago Carvalho Brave CF 23
Amman, Jordan		 Apr 19, 2019 133 days
5 Brazil Cleiton Pereira da Silva Brave CF 25
Belo Horizonte, Brazil		 Aug 30, 2019 433 days
6 France Amin Ayoub Brave CF 44
Riffa, Bahrain		 Nov 5, 2020 324 days
7 Egypt Ahmed Amir Brave CF 54
Konin, Poland		 Sep 25, 2021 472 days
Amir was stripped of his title on January 10, 2023 due to uncertainty regarding his competition status.[52]
– Kyrgyzstan Abdisalam Kubanychbek
def. Olzhas Eskaraev for interim title		 Brave CF 59
Bukhara, Uzbekistan		 Jun 18, 2022 –
8 Kyrgyzstan Abdisalam Kubanychbek
def. Kamil Magomedov		 Brave CF 69
Belgrade, Serbia		 Feb 18, 2023 1214 days
(incumbent)

1. def. Lucas Martins at Brave CF 77 on Dec 5, 2023 2. def. Raul Tutarauli at Brave CF 87 on Sep 22, 2024

– Georgia (country) Raul Tutarauli
def. Pieter Buist for interim title		 Brave CF: Georgia vs. The World
Tbilisi, Georgia		 Oct 3, 2025 256 days
(incumbent)

Featherweight Championship

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136 to 145 lbs (61.7 to 65.8 kg)
No. Name Event Date Reign
(total)		 Defenses
1 France Elias Boudegzdame
def. Masio Fullen		 Brave CF 4
Abu Dhabi, UAE		 May 31, 2017 478 days

1. def. Jakub Kowalewicz at Brave CF 10 on Mar 2, 2018

2 United States Bubba Jenkins Brave CF 16
Abu Dhabi, UAE		 Sep 21, 2018 532 days

1. def. Lucas Martins at Brave CF 24 on Jul 25, 2019

Bubba Jenkins vacated his title after signing with Professional Fighters League.
3 Russia Roman Bogatov
def. Kim Tae-kyun		 Brave CF 64
Isa Town, Bahrain		 Oct 22, 2022 244 days
4 Kyrgyzstan Nemat Abdrashitov Brave CF 72
Riffa, Bahrain		 Jun 23, 2023 1089 days
(incumbent)
– Ukraine Omar Solomanov
def. Rauan Bekbolat for interim title		 Brave CF 98
Zhengzhou, China		 Sep 19, 2025 270 days
(incumbent)
Abdrashitov vacated his title after signing with Tuff-N-Uff.
5 Zimbabwe Nicholas Hwende
def. Omar Solomanov		 Brave CF 105
Almaty, Kazakhstan		 May 31, 2026 16 days
(incumbent)

Bantamweight Championship

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126 to 135 lbs (57.1 to 61.2 kg)
No. Name Event Date Reign
(total)		 Defenses
1 Philippines Stephen Loman
def. Gurdarshan Mangat		 Brave CF 9
Isa Town, Bahrain		 Nov 17, 2017 1179 days

1. def. Frans Mlambo at Brave CF 13 on Jun 9, 2018
2. def. Felipe Efrain at Brave CF 18 on Nov 16, 2018
3. def. Elias Boudegzdame at Brave CF 22 on Mar 15, 2019
4. def. Louie Sanoudakis at Brave CF 30 on Nov 23, 2019

Loman vacated his title after signing with ONE Championship.[53]
2 Canada Brad Katona
def. Hamza Kooheji		 Brave CF 57
Isa Town, Bahrain		 Mar 11, 2022 359 days

1. def. Gamzat Magomedov at Brave CF 63 on Oct 19, 2022

Katona vacated the title, would make his appearance on The Ultimate Fighter 31.
3 United States Jose Torres
def. Nkosi Ndebele		 Brave CF 73
Bogotá, Colombia		 Aug 12, 2023 125 days
4 South Africa Nkosi Ndebele Brave CF 80
Isa Town, Bahrain		 Dec 15, 2023 365 days

1. def. Jose Torres at Brave CF 82 on May 11, 2024

5 Zimbabwe Nicholas Hwende Brave CF 91
Isa Town, Bahrain		 Dec 13, 2024 176 days
6 Serbia Borislav Nikolic Brave CF 96
Ljubljana, Slovenia		 Jun 7, 2025 374 days
(incumbent)

1. def. Hamza Kooheji at Brave CF 100 on Nov 7, 2025

Flyweight Championship

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116 to 125 lbs (52.6 to 57 kg)
No. Name Event Date Reign
(total)		 Defenses
1 England Muhammad Mokaev
def. Gerard Burns		 Brave CF 100
Isa Town, Bahrain		 Nov 7, 2025 221 days
(incumbent)

List of events

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# Event Date Venue Location
105 Brave CF 104 February 14, 2026 Aleksandar Nikolić Hall Belgrade, Serbia
104 Brave CF 103 December 23, 2025 Bukhara Universal Sports Complex Bukhara, Uzbekistan
103 Brave CF 102 November 23, 2025 Hala Tivoli Ljubljana, Slovenia
102 Brave CF 101 November 9, 2025 Khalifa Sports City Stadium Isa Town, Bahrain
101 Brave CF 100 November 7, 2025 Khalifa Sports City Stadium Isa Town, Bahrain
100 Brave CF 99 October 18, 2025 Twinsbet Arena Vilnius, Lithuania
99 Brave CF: Georgia vs. The World October 3, 2025 Tbilisi New Sports Palace Tbilisi, Georgia
98 Brave CF 98 September 19, 2025 Henan TV Studio 8 Zhengzhou, China
97 Brave CF 97 July 12, 2025 Arena Burgas Burgas, Bulgaria
96 Brave CF 96 June 7, 2025 Hala Tivoli Ljubljana, Slovenia
95 Brave CF 95 May 31, 2025 Pabellón Santiago Martín Tenerife, Spain
94 Brave CF 94 May 17, 2025 Geneva Arena Geneva, Switzerland
93 BRAVE CF 93 April 18, 2025 Henan TV Television Studio Zhengzhou, China
92 BRAVE CF 92 December 15, 2024 Khalifa Sports City Arena Isa Town, Bahrain
91 BRAVE CF 91 December 13, 2024 Khalifa Sports City Arena Isa Town, Bahrain
90 BRAVE CF 90 November 23, 2024 Mulitversum Schwechat Vienna, Austria
89 BRAVE CF 89 October 19, 2024 Pabellon Santiago Martin Tenerife, Spain
88 BRAVE CF 88 September 28, 2024 Hala Tivoli Ljubljana, Slovenia
87 BRAVE CF 87 September 22, 2024 Hoornse Vaart Alkmaar, Netherlands
86 BRAVE CF 86 August 24, 2024 Burgas Arena Burgas, Bulgaria
85 BRAVE CF 85 August 18, 2024 Captain Fasih Babar Amin Shaheed Sports Complex Lahore, Pakistan
84 BRAVE CF 84 August 9, 2024 Henan TV Television Studio Zhengzhou, China
83 BRAVE CF 83 May 25, 2024 Hoornse Vaart Alkmaar, Netherlands
82 BRAVE CF 82 May 11, 2024 Cote d'Or National Sports Complex Cote d'Or, Mauritius
81 BRAVE CF 81 April 20, 2024 Hala Tivoli Ljubljana, Slovenia
80 BRAVE CF 80 December 15, 2023 Khalifa Sports City Arena Isa Town, Bahrain
79 BRAVE CF 79 December 8, 2023
78 BRAVE CF 78 December 7, 2023 Centro de Formação Olímpica Fortaleza, Brazil
77 BRAVE CF 77 December 5, 2023 Khalifa Sports City Arena Isa Town, Bahrain
76 BRAVE CF 76 November 25, 2023 Balai Sarbini Jakarta, Indonesia
75 BRAVE CF 75 November 18, 2023 Pacho Camurria Arena Tenerife, Spain
74 BRAVE CF 74 September 7, 2023 H Arena Nantes, France
73 BRAVE CF 73: Pan-American Combat Week 2023 August 12, 2023 Coliseo El Salitre Bogotá, Colombia
72 BRAVE CF 72 June 23, 2023 National Stadium Riffa, Bahrain
71 BRAVE CF 71 June 19, 2023 National Stadium Riffa, Bahrain
70 BRAVE CF 70 April 23, 2023 Hala Tivoli Ljubljana, Slovenia
69 BRAVE CF 69 February 18, 2023 Stark Arena Belgrade, Serbia
68 BRAVE CF 68 December 17, 2022 Maritim Hotel Düsseldorf, Germany
67 BRAVE CF 67 December 12, 2022 Hall B Riffa, Bahrain
66 BRAVE CF 66 November 26, 2022 Politeknik Pariwisata Bali, Indonesia
65 BRAVE CF 65: Rumble in the Kingdom October 28, 2022 Khalifa Sports City Stadium Isa Town, Bahrain
64 BRAVE CF 64: African All Star October 22, 2022
63 BRAVE CF 63: Two Title Fights October 19, 2022
62 BRAVE CF 62 September 30, 2022 Baluan Sholak Sports Palace Almaty, Kazakhstan
61 BRAVE CF 61 August 6, 2022 Maritim Hotel Bonn, Germany
60 BRAVE CF 60 July 30, 2022 National Stadium Riffa, Bahrain
59 BRAVE CF 59 June 18, 2022 Amphitheater Bukhara Bukhara, Uzbekistan
58 BRAVE CF 58 April 30, 2022 Samsan World Gymnasium Incheon, South Korea
57 BRAVE CF 57 March 11, 2022 Khalifa Sports City Stadium Isa Town, Bahrain
56 BRAVE CF 56 December 18, 2021 BEL Expo Center Belgrade, Serbia
55 BRAVE CF 55 November 6, 2021 N/a Rostov-on-Don, Russia
54 BRAVE CF 54 September 24, 2021 Konin, Poland
53 BRAVE CF 53 August 21, 2021 Almaty, Kazakhstan
52 BRAVE CF 52: Bad Blood August 1, 2021 Milan, Italy
51 BRAVE CF 51: The Future Is Here June 4, 2021 Falcon Club Minsk, Belarus
50 BRAVE CF 50 April 1, 2021 Arad Fort Arad, Bahrain
49 BRAVE CF 49: Super Fights March 25, 2021
48 BRAVE CF 48: Arabian Night March 18, 2021
47 BRAVE CF 47: Asian Domination March 11, 2021
46 BRAVE CF 46 January 16, 2021 WOW Arena Sochi, Russia
45 BRAVE CF 45 November 19, 2020 National Stadium Riffa, Bahrain
44 BRAVE CF 44 November 5, 2020
43 BRAVE CF 43 October 1, 2020
42 BRAVE CF 42 September 24, 2020
41 BRAVE CF 41 September 17, 2020
40 BRAVE CF 40 August 24, 2020 N/a Stockholm, Sweden
39 BRAVE CF 39 August 15, 2020
38 BRAVE CF 38 August 8, 2020
37 BRAVE CF 37 August 1, 2020
36 BRAVE CF 36 July 27, 2020 Berăria H Bucharest, Romania
35 BRAVE CF 35 July 20, 2020
34 BRAVE CF 34 January 19, 2020 Hala Tivoli Ljubljana, Slovenia
33 BRAVE CF 33: Aliskerov vs. Gonzalez December 27, 2019 Prince Abdullah Al Faisal Stadium Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
32 BRAVE CF 32: Booth vs. Hassan December 14, 2019 Sport Palace Kozhomkul Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan
31 BRAVE CF 31: Hanekom vs. Gaucho December 7, 2019 Sibaya Casino Durban, South Africa
30 BRAVE CF 30: Loman vs. Sanoudakis November 23, 2019 Gachibowli Indoor Arena Hyderabad, India
29 BRAVE CF 29 November 15, 2019 Khalifa Sports City Arena Isa Town, Bahrain
28 BRAVE CF 28: Brewin vs. Gierzsewski November 4, 2019 Beraria H Bucharest, Romania
27 BRAVE CF 27: Abdoul vs. Jarrah 2 October 4, 2019 Mubadala Arena Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
26 BRAVE CF 26: Silva vs. Roa September 7, 2019 Coliseo Hernán Jaramillo Bogotá, Colombia
25 Brave CF 25: Santiago vs. Silva August 30, 2019 Juscelino Kubitschek Arena Belo Horizonte, Brazil
24 Brave CF 24: London July 25, 2019 Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park London, England
23 Brave CF 23: Pride and Honor April 19, 2019 Martyr Rashid Al-Ziyoud Hall Boxing Arena Amman, Jordan
22 Brave CF 22: Storm of Warriors March 15, 2019 SM Mall of Asia Arena Pasay, Philippines
21 Brave CF 21: Saudi Arabia December 28, 2018 King Abdullah Sports City Indoor Sports Hall Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
20 Brave CF 20: Chimaev vs. Sidney December 22, 2018 G. M. C. Balayogi Indoor Stadium Hyderabad, India
19 BRAVE CF 19: Adam vs. Mark December 8, 2018 Sun City Resort Sun City, South Africa
18 BRAVE CF 18: Mineiro vs. Selwady November 16, 2018 Khalifa Sports City Stadium Isa Town, Bahrain
17 Brave CF 17: Cavalheiro vs. Abdouraguimov October 27, 2018 Nishtar Park Sports Concert Lahore, Pakistan
16 Brave CF 16: Abu Dhabi September 21, 2018 Mubadala Arena Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
15 Brave CF 15: Colombia September 7, 2018 Coliseo Bicentenario Bucaramanga, Colombia
14 Brave CF 14: Azaitar vs. Kokora August 18, 2018 Omnisports Indoor Club of Tangier Tangier, Morocco
13 Brave CF 13: European Evolution June 9, 2018 SSE Arena Belfast, Northern Ireland
12 Brave CF 12: KHK Legacy May 11, 2018 Balai Sarbini Jakarta, Indonesia
11 Brave CF 11: Mineiro vs. Santiago April 13, 2018 Mineirão Belo Horizonte, Brazil
10 Brave CF 10: The Kingdom Rises March 2, 2018 Prince Hamza Hall Amman, Jordan
9 Brave CF 9: The Kingdom of Champions November 17, 2017 Khalifa Sports City Stadium Isa Town, Bahrain
8 Brave CF 8: The Rise of Champions August 12, 2017 Almir Nelson de Almeida Gymnasium Tarumã, Brazil
7 Brave CF 7: Untamed July 29, 2017 Caliente Bullring Tijuana, Mexico
6 Brave CF 6: Kazakhstan April 29, 2017 Almaty Arena Almaty, Kazakhstan
5 Brave CF 5: Go For Glory April 23, 2017 Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Indoor Stadium Mumbai, India
4 Brave CF 4: Unstoppable March 31, 2017 IPIC Arena Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
3 Brave CF 3: Battle in Brazil March 18, 2017 Max Rosenmann Sports and Leisure Gymnasium São José dos Pinhais, Brazil
2 Brave CF 2: Dynasty December 2, 2016 Khalifa Sports City Stadium Isa Town, Bahrain
1 Brave CF 1: The Beginning September 23, 2016

Event locations

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The following cities have hosted a total of 98 Brave CF events as of Brave CF 98

Bahrain (total: 25)

Brazil (total: 5)

Slovenia (total: 5)

Sweden (total: 4)

Colombia (total: 3)

India (total: 3)

Indonesia (total: 3)

Kazakhstan (total: 3)

Romania (total: 3)

United Arab Emirates (total: 3)

Bulgaria (total: 2)

Germany (total: 2)

Jordan (total: 2)

Netherlands (total: 2)

Pakistan (total: 2)

Russia (total: 2)

Saudi Arabia (total: 2)

Serbia (total: 2)

Spain (total: 3)

South Africa (total: 2)

Uzbekistan (total: 2)

Switzerland (total: 1)

Austria (total: 1)

Belarus (total: 1)

China (total: 1)

England (total: 1)

France (total: 1)

Italy (total: 1)

Kyrgyzstan (total: 1)

Mauritius (total: 1)

Mexico (total: 1)

Morocco (total: 1)

Northern Ireland (total: 1)

Philippines (total: 1)

Poland (total: 1)

South Korea (total: 1)

BRAVE Combat Federation records

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RecordFighterNumber
Most BoutsLebanon Mohammad Fakhreddine12
Most WinsJordan Jarrah Al-Silawi10
Most Total Fight TimeBahrain Hamza Kooheji144m17s
Most KnockoutsLebanon Mohammad Fakhreddine7
Fastest KnockoutBahrain Ramazan Gitinov[54]0:08
Most SubmissionsFrance Elias Boudegzdame4
Fastest SubmissionUzbekistan Mashrabjon Ruziboev0:18

[55]

Broadcast

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Cage Announcer, Carlos Kremer during BRAVE CF 18

Talents

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Broadcast Talent

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As of 2025, the BRAVE Combat Federation broadcast team includes Phil Campbell, Kirik Jenness, and Carlos Kremer. Kremer has been the promotion’s official cage announcer since BRAVE CF 1, making him one of the longest-serving on-air figures in the organization’s history. In recognition of his contributions, he was inducted into the BRAVE CF Hall of Fame during BRAVE CF 100, becoming the first cage announcer to receive this honor.

Phil Campbell

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Philip Laurence Campbell[63] (born 9 October 1988) is an Irish broadcaster and former combat sports athlete who serves as one of BRAVE CF’s lead commentators. Campbell was raised in the town of Larne in County Antrim and educated at Garron Tower College before earning an honours degree in Criminology and Criminal Justice from the University of Ulster. Prior to his broadcasting career, he competed in multiple combat sports, becoming an Irish National MMA Champion as well as an Irish National Bare-Knuckle Boxing Champion. His background as a fighter has contributed to his analytical style and technical breakdowns during BRAVE CF broadcasts.[64]

Kirik Jenness

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Kirik Jenness, a long-time figure within the global mixed martial arts community, joined BRAVE CF’s broadcast team as an analyst.[65] Jenness is known for his role as the official keeper of MMA records under the Muhammad Ali Boxing Reform Act in the United States, as well as for providing expert commentary for events in more than 30 countries.[66] In 2022, he received the World MMA Awards Lifetime Achievement Award, recognizing decades of contributions to the sport.[67]

Carlos Kremer

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Carlos Kremer serves as BRAVE CF’s official cage announcer[68] and has been part of the promotion since BRAVE CF 1. A former U.S. Marine Corps Captain and media personality,[69] Kremer has become one of the longest-serving voices of the organization. In 2025, during BRAVE CF 100, he was inducted into the BRAVE CF Hall of Fame,[70] becoming the first cage announcer to receive this distinction. Kremer graduated from UC Davis and played Collegiate Football before serving as a US Marine Corps Captain and recipient of Two Navy Achievement Medals for Honor and Valor. He was the only Marine out of 42 Marines to escape SERE School ( Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape), and was selected to lead Marine Boot Camp at MCRD.[71] He was also inducted to the Hall of Fame of the USA Martial Arts in the class of 2024. Kremer is married to Teca Kremer and has two children.[72]

TV partners

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BRAVE TV & BRAVE Films

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Poster of SMILE

BRAVE Combat Federation announced the initiation of operations of their subsidiary film production unit named BRAVE Films. To commence operations the film production unit produced the television documentary-drama "SMILE"[78] on 26 June during Eid.[79] In 2024, BRAVE CF produced two documentaries, sharing the narratives of Hamza Kooheji (Bahrain) and Muhammad Mokaev (United Kingdom).

BRAVE TV: BRAVE Combat Federation announced last year the creation of BRAVE TV, an online subscription service in which fans would be able to watch live events, as well as reruns of old shows. BRAVE 23 was available on the newly formed online streaming platform to fans from all over the world, except for those territories contemplated with preexisting TV deals.[80]

SMILE: The short film narrates the story of the featherweight champion of BRAVE Combat Federation and behind the scenes of his training leading to the championship bout. The content was shot extensively in Montpellier, France and Tijuana, Mexico apart from locations in Bahrain and in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. The initiative was publicized to popularise mixed martial arts and to showcase the lifestyle of fighters[81] and marks the launch of "BRAVE Films", a film production segment by BRAVE Combat Federation.[82]

The Untold Story Hamza Kooheji: The documentary premiered focusing on the career of Bahraini MMA fighter Hamza Kooheji. The film chronicles Kooheji's journey within the sport, highlighting his impact on the Bahraini MMA scene and the support he receives from prominent figures and the community. The documentary also emphasizes the role of His Highness Sheikh Khalid Bin Hamad Al Khalifa in promoting sports in Bahrain and BRAVE CF's contribution to the nation's sporting profile.[83]

Beyond the UFC: An Inside Look at BRAVE CF 91: The documentary, directed by MMA filmmaker Will Harris[84] provides an inside look at Muhammad Mokaev's return to BRAVE CF at BRAVE CF 91. The film captures the chaotic fight week leading up to the event, including a last-minute opponent change and weight class adjustment, and offers a behind-the-scenes perspective on Mokaev's training at KHK MMA alongside world champions and Olympic medalists.[85]

BRAVE International Combat Week

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In February 2017, KHK MMA and IMMAF announced, a partnership which would see the Amateur World Championships move from Las Vegas to Bahrain for the first time.[86] IMMAF president Kerrith Brown announced the shift for the world championships to move to Bahrain.[87] In addition to the world championships, BRAVE president Mohammed "The Hawk" Shahid announced that the promotion would host a show in the same week as the World Championships, which was named International Combat Week[88] The first International Combat Week was held from November 12 to November 19, with BRAVE 9 taking place on November 17, featuring two title fights. Subsequently, Bahrain hosted the Amateur World Championships for 2018[89] and 2019.[90][91]

See also

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Notes

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  1. ↑ Brave CF refers to their 175 lb weight class as Welterweight, but per the Association of Boxing Commissions in the United States, 175 lbs is considered Super Welterweight.

References

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  1. ↑ "FILIPINO STARS AT THE CORE OF BRAVE'S GLOBAL EXPANSION - Powcast Sports". 29 January 2019.
  2. ↑ "A BRAVE New World - Interview - Gulf Insider - The Arabian Review". Archived from the original on 2020-10-01. Retrieved 2017-02-23.
  3. ↑ "Burkina Faso becomes 80th country to be represented at BRAVE CF with Israel Mano". mmauk.net. 2022-10-23. Retrieved 2023-04-09.
  4. ↑ "Com ex-UFC no card, BRAVE 3 anuncia venda de ingressos para evento no Brasil". 22 February 2017.
  5. ↑ "BRAVE 3: Bananada tira sarro de grito característico de ex-UFC e companheiros".
  6. ↑ Head, Simon (9 October 2023). "Brave CF set for Spain, Brazil, and Bahrain in busy finish to 2023". The Fighters Only. The Fighters Only Magazine. Retrieved 18 October 2023.
  7. ↑ "BRAVE Combat Federation coming to Ireland - Fightstore Media". 12 September 2016.
  8. ↑ "Bahrain's BRAVE Combat Federation initiates MMA expansion to India".
  9. ↑ "Bahrain to host IMMAF World Championships".
  10. ↑ "Bahrain to host 2018 and 2019 IMMAF World Championships". MMA Mena.
  11. ↑ "World MMA Awards Nominees". Fighters Only. 11 December 2019.
  12. ↑ "RXF 36 /Brave CF 28 VIP Edition". Sherdog. Retrieved 2020-11-02.
  13. ↑ "Brave CF 36". tapology.com. Retrieved 2020-11-02.
  14. ↑ Head, Simon (9 October 2023). "Brave CF set for Spain, Brazil, and Bahrain in busy finish to 2023". fightersonlymag. Fighters Only. Retrieved 26 October 2023.
  15. ↑ "عن بنا | وكالة أنباء البحرين".
  16. ↑ Arabs MMA Staff (March 6, 2016). "KHK MMA's Jose Torres Successful in his Professional Debut". ArabsMMA.
  17. ↑ "عن بنا | وكالة أنباء البحرين".
  18. ↑ "Fighters, trainers discuss KHK's chances to become world's best MMA camp". August 20, 2015.
  19. ↑ "BRAVE 1 "The Beginning" Fight Card + Results". Arabs MMA. 23 September 2016.
  20. ↑ "BRAVE Combat Federation announces BRAVE 11 fight card". Arabs MMA. 27 March 2018.
  21. ↑ "Khamzat Chimaev replaces Leon Aliu, takes on Sidney Wheeler at BRAVE 20". Fightbook MMA. 15 December 2018.
  22. ↑ "BRAVE 12: KHK Legacy fight card announced". Sports Keeda. 28 April 2018.
  23. ↑ "BRAVE announces full fight card for Jordan debut". Mixed Martial Arts. 22 January 2018.
  24. ↑ "BRAVE 2 Results: Elias Boudegzdame Submits Watson With Style". Arabs MMA. 2 December 2016.
  25. ↑ "Mixed martial arts in Bahrain". Time Out Bahrain. 30 November 2016.
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  29. ↑ "Mohammed Shahid Announces BRAVE 3 In Brazil". Arabs MMA. 6 December 2016.
  30. ↑ "BRAVE 3 Brazil A Success. Check Out The Results". Arabs MMA. 20 March 2017.
  31. ↑ "MMA LEGEND FRANKIE EDGAR TO BE COLOR COMMENTATOR FOR BRAVE 3". Brave Fights.
  32. ↑ "MMA icons Wanderlei Silva and Frankie Edgar witness historical BRAVE 9 public weigh-in". Fightbook MMA.
  33. ↑ "BRAVE CF's 'BRAVE 14' is Africa's first international MMA event". Top Sports Asia.
  34. ↑ "Report: Fight card announced for BRAVE 14, Morocco". MMA Motion. 26 March 2019.
  35. ↑ "BRAVE 14 to be hosted under Morocco King patronage". Gulf Daily News. 5 December 2017.
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  37. ↑ Clifton, Michael (2020-03-15). "BRAVE CF Indefinitely Postpones All Upcoming Events". Retrieved 2023-04-04.
  38. ↑ "BRAVE Combat Federation announces dates for two shows in Romania". lockerroom.in. Retrieved 2023-04-04.
  39. ↑ "FIGHTMAG". FIGHTMAG. Retrieved 2023-04-04.
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  41. ↑ "Saudi Arabia's First International MMA Fight Will Be Held Tonight In Jeddah And Here's Everything You've Got To Know About It". Lovin Saudi.
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  43. ↑ "BRAVE SETS 15 MARCH FOR PHILIPPINES DEBUT". The Fight Nation.
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  45. ↑ "BRAVE 26 Results: Silva Earns TKO Victory Over Roa". Low Kick MMA. 8 September 2019.
  46. ↑ "NSAC Regulations: CHAPTER 467 - UNARMED COMBAT". Nevada State Athletic Commission. Retrieved February 8, 2012.
  47. ↑ "ABC approves adoption of four new weight classes for MMA - MMA Fighting". 26 July 2017.
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  49. ↑ "Klidson Abreu vence mais uma e mira UFC | MMA | Tribuna PR - Paraná Online". Direto do Octógono. July 11, 2018.
  50. ↑ Corby, Donagh (December 16, 2022). "MMA fighter shaves head in attempt to make weight - but is still too heavy". Mirror.
  51. ↑ Jenness, Kirik (September 19, 2018). "Ottman Azaitar stripped of title, released by Brave". The Underground.
  52. ↑ "Brave CF 69: Interim champion Kubanychbek to meet Magomedov in title unification bout". BRAVE CF Official Website. January 10, 2023.
  53. ↑ Anolin, Carlo. "Team Lakay's Stephen Loman signs with ONE Championship after BRAVE CF exit". mb.com.ph. Retrieved 5 July 2021.
  54. ↑ "Results | BRAVE Combat Federation". bravecf.com. Retrieved 2024-01-24.
  55. ↑ "BRAVE Combat Federation - BCF - MMA Promoter Page - Tapology". Tapology.
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  62. ↑ "MMA expert Jenness joins BRAVE commentary panel". Gulf Daily News. 5 December 2017.
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  65. ↑ Al-Shatti, Shaheen (2020-01-30). "High schoolers, liars and death threats: Welcome to the treacherous world of MMA record-keeping". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2025-11-15.
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  68. ↑ "Other Sports: Cage announcer Kremer claims Fightbook title". www.gdnonline.com. 2017-12-05. Retrieved 2025-11-15.
  69. ↑ "Carlos Kremer | Actor". IMDb. Retrieved 2025-11-19.
  70. ↑ "Bahrain News Agency". www.bna.bh. Retrieved 2025-11-15.
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  72. ↑ Clifton, <img alt='' src='https://www lowkickmma com/wp-content/gravatars/7fd2674a0bbd45208df0b9967ac2cdc63931c2b0764fcae8b5b34793eb5a12df' srcset='https://www lowkickmma com/wp-content/gravatars/7fd2674a0bbd45208df0b9967ac2cdc63931c2b0764fcae8b5b34793eb5a12df 2x' class='avatar avatar-80 photo' height='80' width='80' decoding='async' /> Michael (2021-06-01). "Exclusive: How Carlos Kremer Became The Voice Of BRAVE CF". www.lowkickmma.com. Retrieved 2025-11-19.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
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  75. ↑ "Myx TV - Brave Combat Federation". Archived from the original on 2017-02-24. Retrieved 2017-02-23.
  76. ↑ Laghate, Gaurav (19 December 2018). "MTV, Mercury Sports sign multi-year deal to bring BRAVE fights, reality show on TV". The Economic Times. Retrieved December 19, 2018.
  77. ↑ "BRAVE Combat Federation Streams & Videos". Retrieved May 15, 2019.
  78. ↑ "Smile". June 26, 2017 – via IMDb.
  79. ↑ "Other Sports: Brave launch SMILE trailer". www.gdnonline.com. 5 December 2017.
  80. ↑ "BRAVE COMBAT FEDERATION TO LIVE STREAM HISTORICAL JORDAN EVENT FOR FREE". BRAVE Fights.
  81. ↑ "Brave Launches Trailer For Documentary Based On The Life Of Elias Boudegezdane | The Fan Garage (TFG)". thefangarage.com. June 14, 2017.
  82. ↑ Arabs MMA Staff (June 13, 2017). "Trailer of MMA based film 'SMILE' featuring Boudegzdame". ArabsMMA.
  83. ↑ Siddhique, Muhammad. "Hamza Kooheji's Story Hits the Big Screen in an Exclusive Premiere". The Daily Tribune. News of Bahrain. Retrieved 28 December 2024.
  84. ↑ Villa, Roberto. "Legendary MMA Filmmaker Will Harris to Shoot BRAVE 91 Documentary in Bahrain". FightBook MMA. FightBook MMA. Retrieved 28 December 2024.
  85. ↑ Carrano, Lucas. "Will Harris Unveils a Gripping New Documentary on Muhammad Mokaev's Journey at BRAVE CF 91". Black Belt. Black Belt. Retrieved 28 December 2024.
  86. ↑ "2017 IMMAF World Championships". IMMAF.
  87. ↑ "MMA News: Bahrain to host 2017 IMMAF World Championships of Amateur MMA". Sports Keeda. 7 February 2017.
  88. ↑ "KHK MMA CEO confirms IMMAF World Championship during International Combat Week". YouTube. 9 February 2017.
  89. ↑ "BRAVE International Combat Week will cement Bahrain's international position". Bahrain News Agency.
  90. ↑ "2018 & 2019 IMMAF WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS ANNOUNCED FOR BAHRAIN". IMMAF. 8 March 2018.
  91. ↑ "BRAVE 18 Results: Al-Selwady destroys X-UFC fighter to become BRAVE world champion". Arabs MMA. 19 November 2018.
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