MMA – BRAVE Combat Federation president Mohammed Shahid met with representatives of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) in Bahrain earlier this week in a gathering that highlighted the connections emerging across the international mixed martial arts (MMA) landscape.
The meeting took place during a reception hosted by the US Embassy under the Freedom 250 Sports Diplomacy programme, which underscores the role of athletic exchange in fostering international relations as the US celebrates its 250th anniversary.
For Shahid, the meeting was especially meaningful upon learning that members of the UFC delegation follow BRAVE CF and hold the promotion in high regard.
“Knowing that people within the UFC follow BRAVE CF and appreciate what we are building is a meaningful form of recognition,” he said.
“We have spent the past decade creating opportunities for fighters from different nations to compete internationally, and that acknowledgment encourages us to keep raising our ambitions. Engaging with respected figures across the industry also allows us to exchange ideas and explore how we can contribute to the sport’s continued development.”
The UFC contingent included middleweight Eryk ‘Ya Boi’ Anders, heavyweight Sean ‘The Smoke’ Sharaf, and UFC Foundation executive director and philanthropy and community impact vice-president Brian Smith.
US Ambassador to Bahrain Stephanie Hallett and senior Bahraini officials were also present, including Minister of Finance and National Economy Shaikh Salman bin Khalifa Al Khalifa.
The reception celebrated the longstanding Bahrain-US partnership, with sports diplomacy serving as a conduit for co-operation and the exchange of expertise.
Moreover, the encounter comes as BRAVE CF marks its 10th anniversary.
Since launching in 2016, the promotion has staged more than 100 events across 39 countries, establishing pathways for athletes from diverse backgrounds to compete at an international level.
“Our vision has always extended beyond individual events,” Shahid stated.
“It is about building a lasting structure that connects talent, audiences and opportunities across borders.”
“As we enter our second decade, we remain committed to widening access for fighters and helping shape a more interconnected future for MMA.”
The Bahrain reception represents another opportunity to cultivate industry relationships as BRAVE CF continues advancing its footprint worldwide.
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