Borislav Nikolić to defend bantamweight title against Hamza Kooheji at BRAVE CF 100

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Borislav Nikolić will defend his bantamweight title against Hamza Kooheji in the headliner of BRAVE CF 100, set for Friday, November 7, at Khalifa Sports City in Isa Town, Bahrain. The highly anticipated matchup will headline the centennial event of BRAVE Combat Federation, one of the fastest-growing MMA promotions in the world.

Nikolić, 32, enters his first title defense riding a three-fight winning streak. The Serbian standout owns a 13-2 professional record and boasts a 93-percent finishing rate. His breakthrough moment came at BRAVE CF 96 in June when he shocked the MMA world by submitting Nicholas Hwende in the first round with a ninja choke to capture the bantamweight crown on home soil.

Borislav Nikolić will make his first title defense at BRAVE CF 100 in Bahrain.

Champion heads into hostile territory

The defending champion understands the challenge ahead as he prepares to step into enemy territory to face one of Bahrain’s most celebrated fighters. “This is a very special moment for me. To defend my World Title at such a historic milestone for BRAVE CF is an honor,” Nikolić said. “I know I’m going into enemy territory to face a national hero, but that only motivates me more. I’m ready to put on a fight worthy of BRAVE 100.”

Kooheji, the No. 2-ranked contender, will look to capitalize on his home advantage in front of a passionate Bahraini crowd. A pioneer of the organization, he has competed 11 times under the BRAVE CF banner, winning nine bouts. He previously challenged for the title in 2022 but fell short. Now, with the spotlight on Bahrain for the promotion’s landmark event, the 36-year-old veteran has another shot at championship glory.

Kooheji targets perfect storybook ending

“I’ve been here since day one of BRAVE CF, and to now headline BRAVE 100 with a shot at the World Title is truly a dream come true,” Kooheji said. “I’ve been waiting for this moment, and to do it in Bahrain, in front of my people, makes it even more special. This is my time.”

The main event adds star power to a stacked card that will celebrate BRAVE CF’s 100th event — a significant milestone for the promotion that has hosted events in more than 25 countries since its founding. With national pride, championship stakes, and history on the line, Nikolić vs. Kooheji promises to deliver a defining moment for BRAVE Combat Federation and Middle Eastern MMA.