The Netherlands is globally recognized for its kickboxing pedigree, with many Dutch MMA stars coming from strong kickboxing backgrounds. However, Daan Duijs has taken a unique path, diverging from the norm by beginning his martial arts journey with Judo at just 6 years old. Ten years later, Daan transitioned to MMA and immediately made waves, going undefeated in his first six professional fights.
Daan's success didn’t stop there. He notched four more wins in his next six bouts, ultimately earning a spot in the BRAVE Combat Federation. Now, with BRAVE CF 89 fast approaching, Daan is determined to make a lasting impression on October 19 in Tenerife, Spain, as he faces a major test in Abdelmoumen Mssaate.
Riding a two-fight win streak, Daan hopes to extend his momentum. More than a win, he’s looking at the possibility of changing his life. Currently balancing MMA with part-time work to support his family, a victory could propel him into the upper echelons of the BRAVE CF Bantamweight division, currently ruled by Nkosi Ndebele.
Known for his submission skills, Daan, a black belt in Judo, has finished six of his ten career victories by submission. But he’s no slouch on the feet either. Training with top-tier talent like former MMA World Champion Germaine De Randamie and kickboxing sensation Ilias Bulaid, Daan has honed his striking to complement his grappling prowess.
With BRAVE CF’s recent expansion into the Netherlands, following the successful BRAVE CF 83 and BRAVE CF 87, Daan is perfectly poised to shine on the global stage. If he can outperform Mssaate—who has previously battled with champion Ndebele—Daan could stake a serious claim to a future title shot.
BRAVE CF 89 is set to deliver a night of thrilling matchups at Pabellón Santiago Martín in partnership with Fight2One. Headlining the card is the Super Welterweight title bout between champion Kamal Magomedov and Brazilian contender Luiz Cado, setting the stage for Daan Duijs to seize his moment and possibly become one of the biggest names in Dutch MMA.