BRAVE Combat Federation is back with BRAVE CF 85, scheduled for Sunday, August 18 in Lahore. The event will showcase top MMA fighters from Pakistan as well as renowned international MMA athletes. Scroll Down to Watch BRAVE CF 85 for FREE.
The main attraction of the event will be a Featherweight fight featuring Rauan Bekbolat and Omar Solomanov, with significant implications for the division's future as it may determine the next title challenger. Solomanov, who has not been defeated in BRAVE CF, aims to solidify his status as the top contender in the division, while Bekbolat seeks to interrupt Solomanov's winning streak and leave a mark in the premier global MMA organization.
The co-main event of the evening will feature Indian MMA veteran Srikant Sekhar facing off against undefeated Pakistani superstar Rizwan Ali in a Lightweight bout, in addition to another India vs. Pakistan matchup between Bharat Khandare and Zia Mashwani at Bantamweight. These fights will continue the longstanding sporting rivalry between the two nations, showcasing top talents from both sides competing against each other.
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Here is the Full Fight Card - with Final Weigh in Results
Main Event
Featherweight: Omar Solomanov (66kg) vs. Rauan Bekbolat (66.2kg)
Co-Main Event
Lightweight: Rizwan Ali (70.8kg) vs. Srikant Sekhar (70.8kg)
Other Bouts
Super Welterweight: Eliezer Kubanza (79.3kg) vs. Salamat Orozakunov (79.7kg)
Flyweight: Ismail Khan (56.8kg) vs. Bagylan Zahakansha (57.2kg)
Bantamweight: Muhammad Idrisov (61.8kg)** vs. Lasha Abramishvili (61.6kg)
Bantamweight: Zia Mashwani (61.5kg) vs. Bharat Khandare (61.4kg)
Flyweight: Aqib Awan (57.2kg) vs. Marwin Quirante (55.9kg)
Super Lightweight: Abbas Khan (75.3kg) vs. Adham Mohamed(75.3kg)
Super Lightweight: Murad Guseinov (75.3kg) vs. Ruslan Serikpulov (75.2kg)
Bantamweight: Mojtaba Nasiri (62kg)* vs. Yuki Angdembe (61.30kg)
Misses weight, will forfeit a percentage of purse to opponent*Missed weight, agreed with opponent that no percentage will be forfeited
Earlier for the Official Press Conference & Stare Downs, Tensions were high, particularly between Srikant Sekhar and Rizwan Ali, who are scheduled to co-headline BRAVE CF 85 in a highly anticipated India vs. Pakistan matchup.
During the press conference, Srikant responded to Rizwan Ali's recent comments about India having quantity but lacking quality in MMA, pointing out that Rizwan has not yet faced India's best.
"It’s a unique opportunity to fight a Pakistani fighter in Pakistan—truly a once-in-a-lifetime chance. Rizwan is a great talent, but regarding his remarks about quantity, this time he will experience quality for the first time. He is fighting for his nation, and I am fighting for mine," Srikant stated.
Rizwan countered Srikant's remarks by recalling his recent knockout victory in Karate against an Indian opponent, which went viral.
"I silenced everyone last time, and it will be the same this time. My goal is to finish the fight. I respect him for taking this opportunity and coming to Pakistan. I’m 7-0, he’s 7-7, and the rest you’ll see tomorrow," the Pakistani star said.
The ongoing exchange of words between Srikant and Rizwan has heightened the anticipation for their fight and following the press conference and stare-downs, the hype is at an all-time high.