Brave Combat Federation held its biggest-ever fight card last Friday in Amman with the rise of three world champions, several knockouts and amazing performances all around.
For the people of Jordan, Brave 23: Pride and Honour was a legendary show which saw the resurgence of mixed martial arts in the country.
Even though two Jordanian champions lost their belt, the fans still proved they are one of the most passionate crowds in the world, with an electric atmosphere greeting every fighter from the locker room to the cage.
The biggest cheer was undoubtedly for Jordanian MMA pioneer Hashem Arkhagha, who made his comeback to the sport after almost seven years away. Arkhagha is one of the most famous faces of the sport in Jordan, and had a victorious comeback, as he floored Jeremy Smith with a one-punch knockout, making the crowd erupt with cheers for their hero.
Proof
Earlier in the night, Ali Qaisi also had the fans in bliss as he dominated Georges Bardawil en route to his second win under the Brave banner.
The pre-fight events were also proof that MMA has been brought back to life by Brave’s return to Jordan, as Abdali Mall was packed with fans for the open workouts, on Wednesday, and the press conference and ceremonial weigh-ins a day later.
International fighters were amazed at the passion Jordanian fans showcased throughout the fight week. Brazilian Luan ‘Miau’ Santiago, who won the Lightweight title with a stunning KO of Abdul-Kareem Al Selwady, claiming that Jordan was the best crowd he ever witnessed in any sporting competition.
Bahrain’s own Eldar Eldarov, victorious in the Super Lightweight championship bout against Mounir Lazzez, also praised the Jordanian fanbase’s passion.