Idrisov Dominates Ferreira as KHK Fighters Shine at BRAVE CF 101

TDT | Manama

Email : hussainm@newsofbahrain.com

Bahrain’s Magomed Idrisov capped off an action-packed weekend for BRAVE Combat Federation with a dominant win over Brazil’s Marciano Ferreira in the main event of BRAVE CF 101: KHK Legacy Night at Khalifa Sports City Arena. Idrisov controlled the action from start to finish, using crisp striking and relentless grappling pressure to secure a unanimous decision victory. Despite his strong showing, the KHK representative was self-critical afterward.

“I don’t think I was at my best tonight,” Idrisov said post-fight. “But I’m proud to represent Bahrain and KHK. The fans gave me energy. I’ll come back sharper next time.” Ferreira, who had suggested before the bout that a win could set up a meeting with Muhammad Mokaev, will be bitterly disappointed with the missed opportunity.

The co-main event ended quickly as Ramazan Gitinov, another standout from KHK Team Bahrain, made light work of Turkey’s Nursultan Asker. Gitinov showed his world-class grappling, securing a first-round rear-naked choke to move to 6-0.

Meanwhile, Moroccan striker Youssef Boughanem extended his MMA record to 5-0, stopping Anthony Zeidan in the opening round of their 73kg catchweight contest. The Muay Thai veteran dropped Zeidan before finishing with strikes, though a brief moment of controversy arose when a follow-up kick appeared to land after the knockdown. “It wasn’t intentional,” Boughanem said. “He was already out. I fight for Brave Nation, for my five kids, and I want my brother to get a BRAVE contract too.”

The Janahi brothers continued the momentum for Bahrain. Abdulrahman Ali Janahi earned a first-round TKO against Montazer Muhammad, while his brother Khalifa Janahi followed with a stunning knockout over Ahmed Waheed Ahmed. “My brother is ten times better than me,” Khalifa said after the win. “My opponent disrespected me at weigh-ins, so I gave my answer in the cage.”

In a heated India vs. Pakistan matchup, Punyajit Likharu and Aqib Awan battled to a technical draw after an accidental eye poke ended the fight in the third round. Speaking to The Daily Tribune, Likharu said, “He used the eye poke as an excuse to quit.” Awan, however, had a different view. He told TDT, “I’m disappointed because I felt the fight was going my way. Still, I respect him. The India-Pakistan rivalry didn’t matter, this was just two fighters doing their job.”