MMA – BORISLAV Nikolic is set to feature in the main event of BRAVE 100 this November 7, and when he steps inside the cage at Khalifa Sports City Arena in Isa Town, the weight of his first world-title defence won’t rest heavily on his shoulders – it will ignite the fire that got him here.
The reigning BRAVE CF bantamweight world champion returns to action to put his coveted gold on the line against hometown hero Hamza Kooheji, the number two-ranked contender and one of the nation’s most beloved mixed martial artists.
Over four months ago, the 32-year-old authored a career-defining performance at BRAVE CF 96, where he submitted Nicholas Hwende with a spectacular ninja choke in front of his countrymen to seize the bantamweight crown.
But as he prepares for his first world title defence, the Serbian standout is embracing an entirely different kind of battle – one waged not just against his opponent, but against comfort, pressure, and expectation.
“Being a champion isn’t about where you fight; it’s about who you are when you step inside that cage,” Nikolic said.
“A true champion doesn’t depend on the crowd, the country, or the comfort. You show up, wherever it is, and you prove yourself.”
For the CDS Novi Sad Serbia representative, stepping into enemy territory in Bahrain is not an obstacle – it’s an opportunity. He already expects the roaring crowd to rally behind Kooheji, the national icon who will have the full backing of his people. But rather than seeing that as intimidation, Nikolic views it as inspiration.
“I know the crowd will be behind Hamza, and I respect that, but I’m not bothered by it,” he said. “In fact, I want that noise. I want that fire. I’ll turn that energy into my motivation and use it to fuel me every second of the fight.”
It’s a rare mindset for a reigning champion – to adopt the hunger of a contender when sitting at the pinnacle of the division. Yet, that’s precisely how Nikolic intends to approach BRAVE 100.
“Even though I’m the champion, I see myself as the underdog,” he admitted. “That mindset keeps me sharp. I’m fighting like I have everything to gain, not something to protect. That’s what drives me.”
That hunger has defined Nikolic’s career – a journey built on resilience and a relentless will to prove himself.
His matchup with Kooheji symbolises that drive once again – the visiting champion venturing into the heart of his opponent’s homeland, willing to silence a partisan crowd through performance and poise.
“This fight is a huge challenge, but it’s one I embrace,” Nikolic said. “I’m not here to break the hearts of the Bahraini fans; I’m here to win them over. They can cheer for me, too, if they want, because at the end of the day, respect is universal.”
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