Brave Combat Federation’s premier show is just 1 week away and five KHK MMA fighters are preparing for the biggest night of their lives, where they will fight in front of family and friends right in their own back yard.
Under the patronage of H.H Shaikh Khalid Bin Hamad Alkhalifa, KHK MMA has become a game changer, where young fighters flourish under the tutelage of world class coaches and the inspiration of elite professionals.
Brave 1: The Beginning takes place on September 23rd at Khalifa Sports City, Manama and for one of the fighters, this will really feel like a home-town fight.
Bahrain’s own Hamza Kooheji (3-1) will be feeling this more than anyone, having grown-up in Bahrain and fought and won at Khalifa Sports City in his second professional fight. Yet there will be added pressure on his shoulders, given the magnitude of this card and the significance of the event. It’s truly a career-changer for any fighter who can win on this card. Fighting at your home might feel comforting for those who are used to doing so, but Hamza has fought his last two professional fights in Jordan for Desert Force. He will be returning home and all eyes will be on him to win and raise Bahrain’s flag high to the world. If he wins you can be sure the roof will be raised in Khalifa Sports City that night.
Kooheji is a disciple of Brave CEO Mohammad Shahid, who has been a presence throughout his career. Another young man who was taken under Shahid’s wing is Indian native Mohammad Atif, making his pro debut at Brave. This boy has been under the tutelage of Shahid for a while now and has the potential to go a long way in the sport; what a stage to have your first fight on! Win and impress at Brave is his first fight and he can expect big things to come his way in the near future.
Another KHK MMA prospect who will be looking to shine on this card and make a statement to the world is Frans Mlambo (2-1), who entered his professional career as a decorated amateur. His first three professional fights have shown an evolution in this fighter, who has looked more and more polished with every fight. He has traveled into hostile territory each time, on the other fighters’ home turf and amassed two brutal stoppage victories either side of a defeat, where he still showed the heart of a lion. This fighter is one-to-watch, with his slick boxing skills and killer instinct, he has the look of a champion in waiting.
The fourth KHK fighter who will do battle at Brave, is Eldar Eldarov (7-1), the Dagestani submission specialist and KHK MMA pro team wrestling coach. He has the style you can prepare for, but not stop. All the wrestling practice in the world could get you ready to fight Eldarov, but will you beat him in a grappling exchange? Can you out-wrestle him or stuff his takedowns? I’m afraid not. He’s won six fights, all by submission and he will stand and bang with anyone, but at some point he will throw you to the ground and choke you unconscious, because that’s what he does. He’s won five in a row and is looking to impress, as are all the fighters, in front of his long-time boss Mohammad Shahid and H.H Shaikh Khalid, who made all this opportunity and growth in Bahrain possible.
The raging fury of India, Abdul Muneer, has electrified audiences on the Indian MMA scene since he began his professional career and his style will make him an instant fan-favorite at Brave. As he prepares for the biggest night of his life, against MMA Veteran Masio “Lobo” Fullen (10-6), Muneer has joined the KHK MMA team in Bahrain, making him the fifth KHK fighter at the event.
The heat is truly on for the boys from KHK MMA – good luck to them all in this defining moment.
