Pavel “The Werewolf” Vladev is ready to bring the roar back to Bulgaria as he headlines BRAVE CF 97 with a mission: extend his six-fight knockout streak and defend his turf with a statement win. Fighting in Burgas, a city buzzing with MMA excitement, Vladev enters the cage carrying a dominant 9-1-0 record, with eight of those victories coming via knockout.

Representing MMA Fight Club HOPE Gabrovo, Vladev is known for launching into combat with unrelenting pressure and savage power. Every time he fights, the arena erupts as he hunts opponents down with ruthless efficiency. His last six bouts have not gone past the second round, making him one of the most feared strikers in BRAVE CF’s lightweight division. At BRAVE CF 97, the stakes are higher than ever, and Vladev has no intention of slowing down.

Veteran grappler Tounkara brings danger from every angle

Abou “Yondaime” Tounkara, however, is no stranger to chaos—and he’s coming to spoil the party. With over a decade of cage experience and a deep arsenal of techniques, the French lightweight enters with a 12-6-0 record that includes eight knockouts and several slick submissions. Tounkara fights out of US Metro Bizot in Paris and holds a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, making him a dual-threat opponent who can dominate both on the feet and on the mat.

Tounkara’s style is cerebral but brutal. He forces his foes to guess whether they’ll be outstruck or dragged into a submission trap. Since 2009, he’s built a reputation for finishing fights and adapting to any style thrown at him. With BRAVE CF 97 offering him a chance to derail one of the promotion’s hottest names, expect Tounkara to go all-in and push Vladev to the edge.

A pivotal lightweight clash in BRAVE CF’s global push

As part of BRAVE Combat Federation’s “Year of the BRAVE” campaign, this bout encapsulates what the organization has built its name on—international matchups, high stakes, and elite-level competition. With Vladev representing the surging Bulgarian MMA scene and Tounkara showcasing the grit and technique of France’s finest, this bout could very well shake up the lightweight title picture.

Whether Vladev delivers another thunderous finish or Tounkara weaves his veteran magic, BRAVE CF 97 promises edge-of-your-seat action in one of Europe’s most passionate MMA cities.