At BRAVE CF 96, history repeated itself and a legend reclaimed his throne. Mohammad “The Latest” Fakhreddine (18-5-0, 2NC), the first-ever double champion in BRAVE Combat Federation history, once again proved why he’s one of the most iconic figures in Middle Eastern MMA, knocking out Light Heavyweight champion Erko Jun (9-3-0) in the very first round to become a two-time BRAVE CF Middleweight World Champion.
Fighting in the main event inside a sold-out Hala Tivoli in Ljubljana, Slovenia, Fakhreddine entered the cage with the pressure of legacy on his shoulders, facing a younger, physically imposing opponent in Bosnia’s Erko Jun, who was seeking to become the second simultaneous two-division champion in BRAVE CF history. Instead, he ran into a man who’s been built for the big moments his entire career.
From the opening bell, Fakhreddine looked sharp, measured, and composed tapping into the fight IQ built over nearly two decades of experience at the highest levels of global and regional MMA. Jun, known for his explosive power and pressure, attempted to assert himself early, but Fakhreddine remained unshaken.
As the round progressed, “The Latest” began to find his rhythm, landing precision strikes that tested Jun’s defenses. Then, at 4 minutes and 43 seconds into Round 1, Fakhreddine unleashed the finishing sequence, a devastating combination that sent Jun crashing to the canvas and the crowd into a frenzy.
With the emphatic first-round knockout, Fakhreddine silenced any doubt about his place in the sport’s hierarchy, reclaiming the Middleweight title he never lost inside the cage and adding another chapter to his already legendary career. He is now a two-time Middleweight World Champion, solidifying his claim as one of BRAVE CF’s all-time greats.
As he stood with the belt over his shoulder once again, Fakhreddine didn’t just win a fight, he made a statement: class, experience, and championship DNA never fade. And as his farewell tour continues, the King’s crown is firmly back where it belongs.
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.