Excitement builds as BRAVE Combat Federation, in collaboration with WFC, gears up for BRAVE CF 81. Scheduled for Saturday, April 20, 2024, at the Hala Tivoli Arena in Ljubljana, Slovenia, this MMA event is set to captivate fans with a thrilling lineup of fights. With eight bouts split evenly between the main card and prelims, the event promises intense competition and significant stakes.
The main event features a light heavyweight showdown between Erko Jun and Mohamed Said Maalem. The winner of this bout earns a title shot at the BRAVE Combat Federation Light Heavyweight championship, adding extra anticipation to what promises to be a fiercely contested match.
In the co-main event, welterweights David Forster and Christian Mach will face off. Both fighters are known for their skill and determination, making this matchup a must-watch for MMA enthusiasts.
The main card also includes a heavyweight clash between Pavel Dailidko and Valdrin Istrefi, and a strawweight battle featuring Monika Kučinič against Sofiia Bagishvili. Each fight offers unique styles and strategies, showcasing the diverse talent within the federation.
The prelims are not to be overlooked, with another set of compelling bouts:
Heavyweights Agron Smakici and Patryk Dubiela will test each other's limits.
Flyweights Gerard Burns and Danijel Špoljarić are set for a fast-paced duel.
At catchweight, Domen Drnovsek and Andrian Murug will challenge each other.
Another heavyweight bout features Haris Aksalič against Baki Şahin, promising heavy hits and dramatic action.
BRAVE CF 81 stands out as it merges global talent with local flavor, all set in the picturesque city of Ljubljana. Featuring eight thrilling fights showcasing top talents from across the globe, the event promises to be action-packed.
Here are five reasons why you should tune in:
Title contender's number one fight
The main event of BRAVE CF 81 between Erko Jun and Said Maalem is not just a clash of titans; it is a pivotal battle with world title implications. BRAVE CF president Mohammed Shahid has confirmed that the winner of this showdown will fight for the vacant BRAVE CF Light Heavyweight belt next.
For Erko Jun, the fight poses the biggest challenge of his MMA career to date. The bodybuilder-turned-MMA fighter will have to overcome the extensive MMA experience of Said if he must get hold of the title shot.
On the other hand, for Said, the fight offers him another chance to assert his dominance in the division. Will the Light Heavyweight Division see the rise of a new challenger in Erko Jun or will Said Maalem earn one more shot at the title?
Return of the Slovenian Rocky David Forster
Slovenia's own real-life Rocky David Forster gears up to showcase his never-say-die spirit once again as he takes on Germany's Christian Mach in the co-main event on Saturday night.
Known for his iron chin and fan-friendly fighting style, Forster enters the cage following a memorable showdown with Mohsen Mohammadseifi at BRAVE CF 79, which earned the title of "Fight of the Year" at the Fans’ End of Year Awards for 2023. With the fight happening in his home country, Forster has everything in his favour to deliver yet another stellar performance.
Meanwhile, Christian Mach will be in pursuit of his first win in BRAVE CF and must overcome not only the resilience of Forster but also the Slovenian crowd that is likely to rally behind their hometown favourite.
Monika Kucinic has the opportunity to become a Slovenian superstar
Despite a last-minute opponent change, Monika Kucinic is positioned perfectly to rise as the next superstar in Slovenian MMA. Glimpses of her potential stardom were on display during the staredown on Friday night and if Monika follows this up with a good performance inside the cage, there would be no stopping her from becoming the next big thing in European MMA.
Sofiia Bagishvili, making her BRAVE CF debut, poses a significant challenge with her record of stoppage wins. However, Kucinic's home advantage and growing fan base make her a formidable opponent.
As two of the best young female talents in Europe, Kucinic and Bagishvili are likely to steal the show with their contrasting styles.
Pavel has one final challenge in his quest to make BRAVE CF Heavyweight history
Pavel Dailidko has made his intentions clear about wanting to become the inaugural BRAVE CF Heavyweight champion. He rides on a three-fight winning streak in the organization with all three wins coming through first-round finishes: a record in BRAVE CF. A decisive win at BRAVE CF 81 will put Dailidko in a prime position to challenge for the title.
On the other hand, Valdrin Istrefi seeks to disrupt Dailidko's momentum and make a statement in his promotional debut. Tensions flared during the staredown between these two and this will be one of those fights that might not go the distance.
The future of the Flyweight division begins in BRAVE CF 81 - Burns vs Spoljaric
Gerard Burns and Danijel Spoljaric are poised to make significant strides in the BRAVE CF Flyweight division as they square off at BRAVE CF 81. Burns, having already showcased his power with a knockout victory at BRAVE CF 80, aims to leverage this momentum to inch closer to the Flyweight Gold.
He had plenty of support for him during the face off thanks to his Irish entourage and he will be eager to put on a show for them and fans around the world.
Spoljaric will enter the cage on Saturday riding a six-fight winning streak, eager to capitalize on the global exposure provided by BRAVE CF and solidify his presence in the Flyweight Division. \
Here is how one can watch BRAVE CF 81 for FREE:
Download the BRAVE TV App: https://onelink.to/9frbt4
Watch on Web: watch.bravecftv.com
Stream on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rygcyA1JsIQ
OKKO: Russia
Dazn: Worldwide, except Russia
Sport+: Kazakstan
Voyo: Sloevnia, Croatia, Bosnia and Serbia
Arena Sport: Serbia, Montenegro, Bosnia, Slovenia, Croatia and North Macedonia
StarTimes: Africa
Vidio: Indonesia
New World TV: Africa
Jio TV: India
Bahrain TV: Bahrain
Unbeaten: USA, Canada, UK
Here is the Full Fight Card for BRAVE CF 81
MAIN EVENT | LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT · 205 LBS | PRO MMA
Erko Jun vs. Mohamed Said Maalem
Winner of this bout gets a shot at the BRAVE Combat Federation Light Heavyweight title
CO-MAIN EVENT | WELTERWEIGHT · 165 LBS | PRO MMA
David Forster vs. Christian Mach
MAIN CARD | HEAVYWEIGHT · 265 LBS | PRO MMA
Pavel Dailidko vs. Valdrin Istrefi
MAIN CARD | STRAWWEIGHT · 115 LBS | PRO MMA
Monika Kučinič vs. Sofiia Bagishvili
PRELIMINARY CARD | HEAVYWEIGHT · 265 LBS | PRO MMA
Agron Smakici vs. Patryk Dubiela
PRELIMINARY CARD | FLYWEIGHT · 125 LBS | PRO MMA
Gerard Burns vs. Danijel Špoljarić
PRELIMINARY CARD | CATCHWEIGHT · 175 LBS | PRO MMA
Domen Drnovsek vs. Andrian Murug
PRELIMINARY CARD | HEAVYWEIGHT · 265 LBS | PRO MMA
Haris Aksalič vs. Baki Şahin