Unsung Heroes Keep Fighters Safe at BRAVE CF
Bahrain ringside chief explains medical team’s fight-day approach
Bahrain’s BRAVE CF medical team came under the spotlight last weekend at BRAVE 100 & 101, where they managed injuries, knockouts, and critical interventions with precision. Speaking to The Daily Tribune, Dr. Mohamed Shehab, a plastic surgeon and head of BRAVE CF’s medical committee, gave rare insight into the team’s methods and the pressures of keeping fighters safe during intense bouts.
“Alhamdulillah for this amazing event,” Shehab said. “Combat sports are aggressive by nature, and it’s growing internationally at all levels. To develop a strong medical team, you need teamwork first. When everyone knows their role, the quality of care goes up immediately.” He explained how the team prepares for each discipline. “Whether it’s Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai, or MMA, you must anticipate the types of injuries. Dislocations and cut wounds are most common. In MMA, knockouts and impacts to the eyes, nose, and upper lip — what we call the inverted triangle — can lead to concussions or internal bleeding. Knowing this ahead of time allows us to respond instantly.”
Shehab described the structure of the ringside team: orthopedic surgeons, plastic surgeons, anesthetists, ENT specialists, and ophthalmologists. When asked about the crowd’s concerned silence when Hamza Kooheji was knocked out by Borislav Nikolic, he said: “Having every doctor, nurse, and volunteer in their spot allows me to stay relaxed as a leader. I monitor when to rotate staff, but in the cage, the focus must be total. We do not get carried away by the audience. Everything is based on training and instinct.”
On dealing with knockouts, Shehab said: “We take it step by step. Most fighters regain consciousness within four to five seconds. We avoid raising them too quickly to prevent dizziness, and intervene inside the cage only if necessary, such as a fracture. Most recover quickly, Alhamdulillah.”
Reflecting on the event, he added: “It’s a fight. Aggression is there. That’s what makes it exciting, and we’re here to make sure everyone comes out safely.” The medical team, often working behind the scenes, are the unsung heroes of combat sports, quietly ensuring every fighter leaves the cage in good health.
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