Hamza Kooheji has spent nearly a decade carrying Bahrain’s banner into the global MMA spotlight. From his early days as a newcomer to BRAVE Combat Federation’s very first event in 2016, to now being on the cusp of immortality, Kooheji’s journey has mirrored the growth of the sport in his homeland.

On Friday, November 7, at Khalifa Sports City in Isa Town, the 32-year-old returns to the cage for his biggest moment yet — a world title clash against Serbia’s Borislav Nikolić for the BRAVE CF Bantamweight World Championship, serving as the main event of BRAVE 100.

For Kooheji, this fight is more than a championship opportunity. It is the culmination of years of grind, heartbreak, and belief — a dream forged through resilience and fueled by the love of country. “I’m going to keep fighting. I dream about it every night,” he said. “I’m named after one of the greatest warriors in history, and Hamza means lions. I’m the best 61-kilogram fighter. Anywhere I can go and fight with any fighter at 61 kilograms.”

The rise of Bahrain’s MMA trailblazer

Kooheji has become the embodiment of BRAVE CF’s identity, competing in 11 bouts and amassing nine victories under its banner. Despite his consistency and loyalty to the promotion, he has often been overlooked in global conversations — a perception that BRAVE CF president Mohammed Shahid vehemently rejects.

“He is the most underrated fighter that I’ve ever dealt with,” Shahid said. “Hamza had to learn from scratch. No amateur background, no base in jiu-jitsu, kickboxing or Muay Thai. Nothing.”

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What Kooheji lacked in pedigree, he made up for with intelligence, grit, and an indomitable will. Each win has been a testament to his self-made evolution, earning him admiration from both peers and fans across the region.

Now, as he prepares to compete in front of a roaring home crowd, the stakes couldn’t be higher. This marks his second shot at championship gold after narrowly missing out in 2022. The moment feels destined — a homecoming, a reckoning, and a celebration of Bahraini spirit all rolled into one.

A fight that defines legacy

For BRAVE CF, BRAVE 100 stands as a milestone — a symbol of the promotion’s growth and its impact on MMA in the Middle East. For Kooheji, it’s a chance to validate years of work and finally cement his place in history.

“Nobody knows the part he played and how important part that is,” Shahid said. “This has to be the time everybody needs to know who Hamza Kooheji is, as the fighter that had the biggest impact on the region.”

Kooheji’s story is not one of privilege or shortcuts. It’s a narrative of persistence — a self-taught fighter who built a nation’s hope for global recognition. He has become more than a competitor; he’s a symbol of Bahraini pride and perseverance.

When the cage door closes in Isa Town, Kooheji will once again fight for more than a belt. He will fight for his people, his legacy, and the promise that hard work and belief can turn dreams into history.