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Black Belt Team

Irish MMA Star Richie Smullen's Long-Awaited Return: Set to Face Spanish Veteran Jose Sanchez at BRAVE CF 89!


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Richie Smullen
Black Belt Magazine

Irish MMA standout Richie Smullen is ready to make his long-awaited BRAVE CF debut, going head-to-head against Spain’s own Jose Sanchez in the co-main event at BRAVE CF 89, set for October 19 at Pabellón Santiago Martín in Tenerife, Spain.


Smullen is riding high on a three-fight win streak, and he’s eager to make a powerful statement in both the Featherweight and Lightweight divisions of BRAVE Combat Federation. With his fierce fighting style and relentless ambition, Smullen is not just aiming for victory—he’s targeting dominance in a promotion renowned for its global reach and top-tier competition.


A proud teammate of MMA legend Conor McGregor, Smullen started his journey over a decade ago under the watchful eye of coach John Kavanagh. His amateur career was packed with victories over top-tier Irish fighters like Nathan Kelly and Paul Hughes. After transitioning to the pro ranks, Smullen built an impressive résumé, capturing titles in two weight classes in regional circuits, where he represented Ireland on the global stage.



Although his momentum was interrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic, which led him back to Ireland, Smullen rebounded with three consecutive finishes, reigniting his career. Now, he’s set to unleash his honed skills on the BRAVE CF stage, aiming to secure the biggest win of his career against Sanchez.


Known for his finishing ability, Smullen boasts a record with 10 of his 13 victories coming by stoppage—five by submission and five by knockout. This time, he faces Sanchez, a seasoned Lightweight veteran who will have the advantage of a roaring home crowd. The co-main event promises fireworks as Smullen looks to assert his dominance in BRAVE CF's competitive divisions.


BRAVE CF 89 is the thrilling finale of BRAVE Combat Federation’s “Around the World in 70 Days” tour, which has seen unforgettable matchups in countries like China, Pakistan, Bulgaria, the Netherlands, and Slovenia. Partnering with Fight2One, this landmark event in Spain is set to be an electrifying night for MMA fans across the globe. Don't miss the action as Richie Smullen returns to the world stage, ready to make an unforgettable impact.



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