This is where stars are born,” says BRAVE CF President

BRAVE CF returns to Bahrain for annual homecoming double-header

TDT | Manama

Email : hussainm@newsofbahrain.com

BRAVE Combat Federation is coming home this November for a major double-header at Khalifa Sports City in Isa Town. BRAVE 100 on November 7 and BRAVE 101 two days later will celebrate the promotion’s 100th event, returning to where it all began.

Speaking to The Daily Tribune, BRAVE CF President Mohammed Shahid shared what bringing the 100th event back to Bahrain means.

 “BRAVE 100 being back in Bahrain symbolizes everything we stand for: vision, unity, and giving athletes a platform that represents nations, not just promotions,” he said. “It’s a full-circle moment.”

Return of Mokaev

Shahid spoke at length about Muhammad Mokaev, noting the significance of the flyweight’s title fight taking place in Bahrain.

“Mokaev has been one of the best flyweights in the world for a long time, and to see him back in Bahrain competing for the first world title here is special,” Shahid said. “He represents everything BRAVE stands for, talent, hard work, and the global reach of this platform. He’s fought in multiple countries, faced top competition, and now he has a chance to make history in front of the fans who first watched him grow.”

He added that the fight shows how BRAVE has become a launchpad for international talent.

“This fight isn’t just about two athletes competing. It’s about giving fans the chance to see someone who started with us rise to a world championship,” Shahid explained. “It’s proof that if you have talent and commitment, nationality doesn’t matter. BRAVE gives everyone a stage.”

Kooheji’s Homecoming  

Bahrain’s own Hamza Kooheji headlines BRAVE 100 for the bantamweight title. Shahid emphasized the significance of seeing a fighter who has been with BRAVE since the beginning compete for gold on home soil.

“Hamza is a true pioneer for us,” Shahid said. “He’s been part of BRAVE since day one. To see him fighting for a world title in front of his home crowd is something special. The fans know his journey, and now they get to celebrate it with him. It’s a story of loyalty, perseverance, and dedication.”

He framed the matchup as both a personal and professional milestone.

“He’s facing a world champion (Borislav Nikolic) in hostile territory, and that’s what makes this matchup meaningful,” Shahid added. “It’s not just about winning a belt. It’s about representing Bahrain on a global stage. The energy in the arena will be electric, and I expect the fight to reflect the skill and heart Hamza has shown over his career.”

BRAVE’s Global Reach

Shahid reflected on BRAVE CF’s expansion, noting that the promotion has now staged 97 events in 37 countries across five continents, and he credits the success to focusing on talent first.

“The defining factor is a focus on pure talent,” he said. “We’ve discovered fighters from Africa to Europe, Southeast Asia to South Asia. Names like Jamza Jumayah, Ilya Chapuria, Johnny Walker. These are athletes who rose because we provided a global stage. That’s our legacy.”

Diversity, Shahid stressed, remains a core mission.

“Nationality, religion, race, gender, none of that matters. Talent alone is what counts,” he said. “At BRAVE 100, fans will see a celebration of that diversity, showcasing athletes who may not compete in the traditional big markets but are world-class nonetheless.”

Vision For The Future

Shahid highlighted the importance of having a disciplined team and structured organization to support global growth.

“We’ve built a system to scale globally, working with national organizations, co-promoters, and managers, all aligned to the singular vision of elevating MMA worldwide,” he said. “If your team doesn’t believe in that vision, even the best skills aren’t enough.”

He added what fans can expect from the event itself.

“When the lights go off on November 7, I want fans to celebrate everything we’ve done in the last nine years and 100 events, while also seeing what’s ahead for the sport,” Shahid said. “It’s about sharing both the past and the future. Fights, lights, music, atmosphere, and a little chaos, because that’s MMA. We want everyone to be entertained and feel part of BRAVE’s journey.”

Shahid also stressed the local engagement leading up to the homecoming.

“We’re bringing BRAVE to everyone, schools, ministries, organizations, so when November 7 arrives, fans won’t just watch fights. They’ll celebrate a global journey that began right here in Bahrain,” he said.

Finally, he returned to the philosophy behind BRAVE CF.

“All you need is talent, a brave heart, and a committed team. If you have those, anything is possible. That’s the story BRAVE 100 tells, and BRAVE 101 will continue,” Shahid said.

BRAVE CF has built a reputation for one thing, which is launching fighters into the spotlight. Nine years in, and this November it comes back to Bahrain. Home turf, big fights, and Bahrain fans are in for a front-row look at the action that’s shaking up MMA.