Latest news with #BRAVECF
Daily Tribune
4 days ago
- Sport
- Daily Tribune
BRAVE CF 95 delivers action-packed night in Tenerife
BRAVE Combat Federation returned to the Canary Islands with BRAVE CF 95 in collaboration with regional promotion Fight 2 One, a thrilling fight night that delivered finishes, upsets, and statement-making performances from rising stars and seasoned veterans alike. The energy was electric in Tenerife as fans witnessed eight exciting bouts filled with drama, heart, and world-class martial arts. In the main event, hometown hero Acoidan Duque defended his turf in a razor-close battle against France's Jason Ponet. Known for his ability to win in enemy territory, Ponet gave Duque everything he had, but it was Duque who edged out a split decision win, putting an end to Ponet's impressive away-day streak. The co-main event saw a major upset as Kazakhstan's Dias off a dominant performance and solidified Zoud as a name to watch in the division. The night also featured a potential Fight of the Year contender as Theo Bashford and Eduard Evdokimov went to war in a back-and-forth battle. Bashford survived an early knockdown and roared back to score a dramatic third-round TKO with a stunning head kick. Yerengaipov stunned former BRAVE CF Bantamweight World Champion Jose 'Shorty' Torres in a close fight. Yerengaipov's sharp striking and relentless pace proved enough for the judges to sway his way on Torres' long-awaited return to Flyweight. Earlier on the card, Christian Mach delivered one of the night's most memorable performances with a second-round TKO over Spanish veteran Enrique Marín. Mach's explosive head kick followed by a barrage of strikes marked a major moment in his career. Another standout showing came from Abdelkrim Zoud, who displayed both power and technique in his submission victory over Muslim Danaev via D'arce choke. The finish capped TKO with a stunning head kick. Other results included Jakub Drozdowski earning a unanimous decision win over Juan Izquierdo, Ilia Qarukhnishvili outpointing Daan Duijs, and Reda Abdellaoui starting the night with a slick rear-naked choke win over Morau Gheorghe. With BRAVE CF 95 in the books, the promotion once again proved why it is home to some of the best talent in the world. From shocking upsets to breakout performances, Tenerife witnessed a night to remember.
Daily Tribune
26-05-2025
- Sport
- Daily Tribune
BRAVE CF 95: Jose ‘Shorty' Torres Returns to Flyweight to Reignite Championship Quest
BRAVE Combat Federation is set to make its highly anticipated return to Spain on May 30, 2025, with BRAVE CF 95, taking place at the Pabellón Santiago Martín in Tenerife. The promotion once again teams with Fight2One to showcase top-tier talent from Spain and around the globe. The co-main bout features USA's Jose Torres (13-3-1) clashing with Kazakhstan's Dias Yerengaipov at flyweight. Torres, a two-time IMMAF world champion and former BRAVE CF Bantamweight champion, brings a wealth of experience and a professional record of 13-3-1. His journey has seen him capture titles in multiple promotions, including Titan FC, and compete on the global stage in organizations like the UFC and RIZIN. After a stint at bantamweight, Torres returns to the flyweight division, aiming to become BRAVE CF's inaugural Flyweight World Champion. His recent victory over Makoto Takahashi at RIZIN 49 showcased his adaptability and determination to climb back to the top. Facing him is Kazakhstan's Dias Yerengaipov, a formidable opponent with a reputation for resilience and technical prowess. This bout promises a clash of styles, with Torres' well-rounded skill set meeting Yerengaipov's strategic approach. As BRAVE CF continues its 'Year of the BRAVE' campaign, this event not only highlights the organization's commitment to global expansion but also sets the stage for a potential new chapter in Torres' illustrious career. Fans can expect a night of high-octane action as two elite flyweights vie for supremacy in Tenerife.
Daily Tribune
17-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Tribune
Lohore snubs Kubanza ahead of BRAVE CF 94
The heat in BRAVE Combat Federation's super welterweight division just got turned up a notch. On Thursday, 15 March, a fiery video dropped on the official BRAVE CF Instagram page featuring none other than Alex 'Da Killa King' Lohoré and, while fans eagerly waited for him to address top contender Eliezer 'King Kong' Kubanza by name, Lohoré made it crystal clear that won't be happening any time soon. 'Does he have followers? Do people know him around the world? What does this fight do for me?' Lohoré scoffed in the video. 'I don't have a lot of years left in my career, so I only want big fights. That fight is not a big fight. The guy doesn't have no following. The guy doesn't have no one. No one knows the guy. Which is why I'm not going to mention his name. I'm going to let you guys mention his name.' It's the latest chapter in a simmering rivalry that's quietly been brewing between two of Africa's top super welterweights. Proudly representing Ivory Coast and boasting a 25- 11 record, Lohoré has made a statement since joining BRAVE CF, winning both of his promotional bouts via first-round stoppages. He now heads into his third appearance at BRAVE CF 94 in Switzerland this Saturday, 17 May against the dangerous Mansur Abdurzakov. But while Lohoré is dialed in on Abdurzakov, the shadow of Eliezer Kubanza looms large. The undefeated Congolese prospect has been campaigning for a fight with Lohoré since 'Da Killa King' arrived in BRAVE CF, believing a clash between the two African standouts would be massive for the continent and the promotion as a whole. Kubanza, sitting at 7-0 with six knockout victories, remains one of BRAVE CF's fastest-rising stars. Following a gutsy unanimous decision win at BRAVE CF 91, 'King Kong' claimed the No. 1 contender spot in the division. The title is currently held by Luiz Cado, but both Kubanza and Lohoré have it in their sights. Lohoré, however, remains defiant when it comes to Kubanza. 'Eagles don't fly with pigeons,' he quipped when previously asked about Kubanza. Furthermore, the highly-experienced Lohoré insisted that there was only one scenario where he would ever share a cage with Kubanza - if championship gold is on the line. Adding to the intrigue of it all, rumours have begun swirling that Kubanza might be in attendance this weekend in Switzerland for BRAVE CF 94. A potential face-off between the two would only escalate tensions in a division already rich with explosive talent. Should Lohoré pick up a third straight finish at BRAVE CF 94, the promotion will be faced with a mouthwatering dilemma: does 'Da Killa King' leapfrog Kubanza for the next title shot, or does BRAVE CF finally pull the trigger on what could be one of the biggest all-African showdowns in promotional history? After the unforgettable Nkosi Ndebele vs. Nicholas Hwende clash at BRAVE CF 91, the idea of another continental collision — this time Ivory Coast vs. Democratic Republic of Congo — is one that fight fans across Africa and beyond would rally behind. For now, Lohoré won't say Kubanza's name. But, with BRAVE CF 94 just hours away and a rumoured appearance from 'King Kong' looming, the fight world may soon be calling for this matchup louder than ever.
IOL News
12-05-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
PFL Africa launches in Cape Town with Inaugural MMA tournament this July
Former UFC Heavyweight king and current PFL Heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou is the acting PFL chairman and will play an integral role in building the PFL Africa brand and building its talent Image: BRAVE CF South Africa's Mixed Martial Arts scene will receive a significant boost this year as the Professional Fighters League (PFL) launches the historic and much-anticipated PFL Africa tournament in Cape Town this July. The PFL is one of the biggest MMA brands alongside the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), and it will now be the first major organisation to break ground on the continent. The PFL has confirmed that July 26 will mark the official opening of the 2025 PFL Africa Tournament. The show will run in conjunction with the PFL Champions Series in a joint event, which will be rolled out at the GrandWest Casino and Entertainment World's Grand Arena. The PFL Africa 2025 tournament will comprise four events across Africa, featuring 24 top fighters from 14 African countries. The Cape Town leg of the PFL Africa Tournament will showcase athletes in the Heavyweight and Bantamweight divisions. Former BRAVE CF Bantamweight champion Nkosi Ndebele has signed with the Professional Fighters League and will debut at PFL Africa on July 26 at the Grand Arena in Cape Town. Photo: PFL Image: PFL Each division will feature an eight-man bracket, with fighters progressing through semi-finals and finals. Among the fighters on the day will be South Africa's former BRAVE CF Bantamweight champion, Nkosi Ndebele, who will take on Egypt's Mahmoud Atef. Another fan favourite and EFC star, Zimbabwe's unbeaten Simbarashe Hokonya, will battle Morocco's Abderrahman Errachidy in the same division. In the Heavyweight category, South Africa's Justin Clark will face Cameroon's Jashell Ticha Awa, while Senegal's Abdoullah Kane meets Morocco's Mohammad Ben Yahia. Ndebele recently bid farewell to BRAVE CF after becoming the promotion's first 'homegrown' champion. Many were up in arms wondering where he would go next, and it seemed inevitable that he would join one of the major brands. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ The debut night of the PFL Africa Tournament will include five major international bouts as part of the PFL Champions Series: Road to Dubai. The PFL Champions Series features MMA world champions and top PFL stars competing in title fights, with each event culminating in a showdown in Dubai. In the world title main event at the Grand Arena, undefeated middleweight world champion Johnny Eblen will face Spain's Costello van Steenis. The co-main event will see the formidable Dakota Ditcheva go head-to-head with Hawaii's Sumiko Inaba in a world-class Women's Flyweight clash. In July 2024, the PFL announced its third international league — PFL Africa — after PFL Europe and PFL MENA, aiming to showcase African talent on the world stage. Former UFC Heavyweight and current global combat sports superstar, Cameroon's Francis Ngannou, is the acting chairman of the league and will also play a pivotal ambassadorial role in growing the Professional Fighters League on the Mother Continent, as well as in discovering and developing the next generation of African champions. Francis Ngannou. Photo: AFP Image: AFP 'Kicking off the PFL Champions Series in Cape Town alongside the launch of PFL Africa reflects our commitment to grow the sport of MMA throughout the continent, as well as provide pathways for African fighters to compete on a global stage and become champions,' says Peter Murray, CEO of the Professional Fighters League. 'With PFL Europe, PFL MENA, and now PFL Africa launching, PFL's international growth strategy and footprint are unmatched in the sport. This is all made possible by building a great team. I'm proud to partner with Francis Ngannou and Helios Sports & Entertainment Group, and excited to welcome Elias Schulze as GM of PFL Africa.' The full tournament schedule, including future host cities and dates, will be revealed soon. Ticket and broadcast details will also be announced in due course.
Daily Tribune
09-05-2025
- Sport
- Daily Tribune
Striker vs submissionist: Lohore and Abdurzakov set to clash in BRAVE CF 94 Super Welterweight Showdown
BRAVE CF 94 is about to host one of the most electrifying stylistic clashes on the card as France's Alex 'Da Killa King' Lohoré goes toe-to-toe with Poland's submission machine Mansur 'Borz' Abdurzakov in a super welterweight war that could have title implications written all over it. It's the kind of matchup MMA fans live for— power versus precision, onepunch chaos versus relentless pressure. Mansur Abdurzakov (11-5- 0) arrives with a purpose and a plan: drag Lohoré into deep waters and squeeze the life out of his striking rhythm. A master of submissions, Abdurzakov has won eight of his eleven fights by tapout, recently put-ting Poland's Micha? Pietrzak to sleep with a slick triangle choke in June 2024. He's not just hunting finishes, he's exe-cuting them with cold precision. For Abdurzakov, this isn't just another bout; it's a coming-out party on BRAVE CF's global stage and a chance to prove that ground warfare still rules in a world obsessed with knockouts. But knocking people out is exactly what Alex Lohoré (25-11-0) does best. The French knockout artist has terrorized cages across Europe, and 2024 has been a renaissance year for 'Da Killa King.' Two brutal firstround TKOs over Marcin Bandel and Jivko Stoimenov reminded everyone that Lohoré's hands are as heavy as ever. With 13 knockouts on his record and titles from BAMMA to Cage Warriors, Lohoré has seen it all and finished most of it. If Abdurzakov chooses to engage on the feet for too long, the bout could conclude swiftly—and decisively. This is more than just a grappler vs. striker throwback, it's a high-stakes collision between two veterans who know ex-actly what a win here means. For Abdurzakov, it's the fast track to title talk and the crowning of Poland's next MMA star. For Lohoré, it's about legacy, silencing the submission threat, and stamping himself as one of BRAVE CF's premier finishers. Both warriors are hunting for a statement victory—expect an explosive start and a fight that's unlikely to see the final horn.
