*** BRAVE CF 91: A Night to Remember in Bahrain | THE DAILY TRIBUNE | KINGDOM OF BAHRAIN

BRAVE CF 91: A Night to Remember in Bahrain

TDT | Manama

Email : hussianm@newsofbahrain

BRAVE CF 91 lit up Khalifa Sports City in Bahrain last night, delivering an unforgettable evening of world-class MMA action. As the penultimate event of the year, it marked the beginning of the Bahrain International Combat Week (BICW) 2024, setting the stage for the IMMAF Youth Asian Championships and tomorrow’s BRAVE CF 92.

The event featured a stellar lineup of fighters from 13 nations, culminating in a headline bout that lived up to its billing as the “Fight of the Year.”

A New Champion is Crowned

In the main event, Zimbabwe’s Nicholas Hwende dethroned South Africa’s Nkosi Ndebele in a grueling five-round war to claim the BRAVE CF Bantamweight title. The bout was a tactical masterpiece, with Hwende’s wrestling and striking posing constant challenges to the now-former champion. After 25 minutes of high-octane action, Hwende emerged victorious via unanimous decision (48-47, 48-47, 48-47), capping an unforgettable main event.

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Mokaev's  Return

After a three-year absence, undefeated flyweight phenom Muhammad Mokaev made a successful return to BRAVE CF, facing Joevincent So, a late replacement following Biko’s withdrawal. Mokaev wasted no time, securing a first-round D'Arce choke victory in just 1:52, reaffirming his status as one of the division’s most dangerous fighters.

The Pride of Bahrain Delivers

The co-main event saw Hamza Kooheji, affectionately known as “The Pride of Bahrain,” return to the cage after a two-year hiatus. Kooheji displayed his signature chain wrestling and brutal ground-and-pound, earning a dominant second-round TKO victory over Turkey’s Alperen Karabulut. The home crowd erupted in jubilation as Bahrain’s star reclaimed his place among the elite.

Prelim Fireworks

The preliminary card was packed with action, highlighted by back-to-back knockouts from Bahraini fighters Hussain Al Kurdi and Mohammed AlSameea, both landing devastating knees to secure emphatic finishes. Sabrina de Sousa continued her rise in the women’s flyweight division, proving her grappling ability with a third-round armbar victory over Mariane Mariano.

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An International Spectacle

From Dias Yerengaipov’s wrestling clinic to Eliezer Kubanza’s heart-pounding battle with Zagid Gaidarov, the evening had something for every fight fan. Athletes from Russia, Brazil, South Africa, the UK, and beyond demonstrated the spirit of competition that defines BRAVE CF.

What’s Next?

The excitement doesn’t stop here. With weigh-ins for BRAVE CF 92 taking place today, the stage is set for another evening of world-class MMA action tomorrow. As Bahrain International Combat Week continues, the spotlight remains firmly on Khalifa Sports City, where the future of combat sports is being written.