MMA – BRAVE Combat Federation president Mohammed Shahid has expressed excitement for BRAVE CF 98, the landmark event set to take place September 19 in Zhengzhou, China.
The blockbuster mixed martial arts (MMA) extravaganza is being hosted by BRAVE CF in partnership with YFU.
“Our goal in every market we enter has always been to help develop MMA as an industry, and China is no exception,” said Shahid. “With our third event taking place in the country, I am confident we will soon witness tremendous growth for the sport here.
“This upcoming card will feature everything from a world title showdown to the emergence of future Asian MMA superstars – athletes with the potential to become the next Khamzat Chimaev or Ilia Topuria.
“On September 19, MMA fans around the world will have the chance to see China’s finest talents on display.”
For the first time ever, a BRAVE world championship will be on the line in China, as top-ranked contender Omar Solomanov of Ukraine faces number two-ranked contender Rauan “Shymyr” Bekbolat of Kazakhstan in a much-anticipated rematch for the BRAVE interim featherweight world title.
The winner will earn the golden ticket to challenge reigning divisional king Nemat “Eagle” Abdrashitov of Kyrgyzstan in a unification showdown.
Solomanov and Bekbolat first crossed paths at BRAVE CF 85 in August 2024, where the Kazakh sensation shocked the world by submitting the Ukrainian standout via guillotine choke in the third round.
Their rivalry now takes center stage in Zhengzhou with the stakes higher than ever before.
Adding to the excitement, China’s very own “The Stalker” Xie Bin will make his long-awaited BRAVE CF debut in the co-main event.
Xie, who has competed on some of the biggest stages in the sport, will test himself against former BRAVE CF bantamweight world champion Nicholas Hwende of Zimbabwe in a high-stakes featherweight clash.
Bolstering the intrigue on the lead card is the much-awaited return of number five-ranked super lightweight contender Khamzat Maaev, widely recognised as both the teammate and doppelganger of global star Khamzat Chimaev, as well as the maiden appearance of Indian dynamo Owais Yaqoob, who makes history as the first mixed martial artist from Kashmir to compete under a major international MMA promotion.
In addition, Indian veteran Kantharaj Agasa is set to make his comeback after nearly six years away from the BRAVE CF cage, bringing another layer of suspense to the lineup.
Apart from the marquee attractions, the card is set to feature seven thrilling supporting match-ups, showcasing a roster of emerging Chinese talents eager to prove themselves against elite international opposition.
This event promises to deliver an evening of world-class MMA, celebrating BRAVE CF’s mission of providing athletes with a platform to shine.
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