The legendary “Latest,” Mohammad Fakhreddine (15-5-0, 2 NC), who is the first MMA fighter of Arab origin to win world championship titles in two weight classes in a global MMA promotion, is back and hungrier than ever before. The veteran and one of the pioneers of MMA in the Middle East, has set his sights on an unprecedented feat as shared via a collaborated post of Arabs MMA – capturing a third BRAVE CF world title in a new weight class. This isn’t just a fight; it’s a war cry for Arab dominance in the global MMA arena.
Fakhreddine’s legacy speaks for itself. He etched his name in BRAVE CF history as the first and only double champion, simultaneously reigning over the Middleweight and Light Heavyweight divisions. But the fire within him burns brighter than ever. He craves a new challenge, a new crown to add to his collection. And his target? The undefeated champion, Kamal Magomedov (11-0-0), currently holds the coveted Super Welterweight title. Fakhreddine is a master of rivalries who has taken MMA in the Middle East to a whole new level. His rivalries with Carl Booth, Jarrah Al-Silawi, and Tahar Hadbi are still debated even after years.
He claimed his previous title by defeating the teammate of Tahar Hadbi and infuriating the Algerian fans in attendance as he flipped his middle finger after finishing Mohamed Said Maalem. Currently, Fakhreddine has established himself as one of the biggest names in the region by forging a new breed of superstars from Lebanon who have showcased their dominance in the amateur ranks of the IMMAF Asian Championship held during the 2023 BRAVE International Combat Week held in the Kingdom of Bahrain. Furthermore, the undefeated superstar from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Eliezer Kubanza (5-0-0) also expressed his interest in competing in the same fight card as that of the Lebanese legend expressing the amount of respect Fakhreddine commands.
The air crackles with anticipation as multiple superstars across the BRAVE CF roster jumped into the rivalry. Not only did Fakhreddine publicly declare his intentions on social media, directly tagging Magomedov and requesting the shot, but the champion himself rose to the bait. “Be careful what you wish for,” Magomedov warned, setting the stage for a potential clash of titans. The Lebanese legend, unfazed by the gauntlet thrown, roared back, “This is exactly what I am wishing for! The champ-champ taking on the undefeated champion. What a great fight it would be!” This back-and-forth exchange ignited the Arab MMA community. Social media exploded with fan fervor, chants of “Fakhreddine!” echoing across the digital landscape.
However, the final decision rests with BRAVE CF and its President, Mohammed Shahid, who has yet to respond. Will they grant Fakhreddine’s audacious wish and pit him against Magomedov? The news of two upcoming BRAVE CF events in Slovenia in 2024 adds to the intrigue. Could this blockbuster Super Welterweight clash headline one of those electrifying nights?
Whatever the outcome, one thing is certain – Fakhreddine’s historic pursuit of a third title transcends the bounds of a single fight. It’s a battle cry for Arab fighters everywhere, a symbol of unwavering spirit and relentless ambition. Here’s why Arab MMA fans should be salivating over this potential showdown: Another world championship win for Fakhreddine from Lebanon will cement Arab glory on the global stage. Fakhreddine’s victory would elevate Arab MMA to unimaginable heights, proving that Arab MMA fighters can conquer any weight class. Further, another title clash will be epic as it leads to a clash of legends where the undefeated champion faces the seasoned king, their contrasting styles promising a fireworks display of skill and power. A world title in a third weight class would solidify Fakhreddine’s position as a BRAVE CF legend and an unmatched icon in Arab MMA.
About the author
Hari Bhagirath is the former Chief Creative Officer at BRAVE Combat Federation. Currently, he heads Strategic Relations and Financial Communication for a major Fortune 100 organization. He is also the co-founder of Totem Capital, a private wealth management initiative.
