The rivalry between Pakistan and India is ready to ignite once again. This time, the battleground is the BRAVE Combat Federation cage, as BRAVE CF 101 heads to Bahrain on November 9, 2025. Pakistan’s Aqib Awan (7-3-0) will meet India’s Punyajit Likharu (5-1-0) in a Bantamweight showdown drawing massive regional attention and fueling national pride.

The fight is more than a matchup between two rising talents. It represents Team Rizwan vs. Team Anshul, a symbolic clash between the corners of Pakistan’s Rizwan Ali and India’s Anshul Jubli. Both nations bring decades of competitive fire from cricket to combat sports, setting the stage for an intense but respectful confrontation on neutral ground.

Pakistan looks to extend BRAVE CF momentum

Pakistani fighters have built strong momentum inside BRAVE CF in recent years. Standouts from Fight House Islamabad have delivered statement wins through grit, finishing instincts, and disciplined execution, marking Pakistan’s rise as a global MMA presence.

Awan embodies that charge. Known for power and aggression, he enters the cage backed by mentor Rizwan Ali, who sparked a rivalry moment in 2024 by calling out Jubli after a big victory. Their friendly but fiery exchange ignited fan interest, and now that storyline arrives inside the cage with real stakes.

India aims to answer with new-generation precision

India’s combat sports scene continues to climb, driven by surges of success and the competitive legacy seen in cricket. Indian MMA athletes are aiming to match that standard internationally, and Likharu stands at the forefront of that movement.

Representing Soma Fight Club and Crosstrain Fight Club, and cornered by UFC standout Jubli, Likharu brings technical sharpness and composure. His presence signals the next wave of disciplined Indian talent eager to prove themselves on a global stage and level the rivalry with Pakistan.

As the bout approaches, anticipation grows across South Asia. Fans are eager to see whether Pakistan’s recent dominance inside BRAVE CF continues or if India answers with a breakthrough moment. With Bahrain hosting athletes from dozens of nations, it provides the perfect neutral arena for a rivalry fueled by passion, respect, and a drive for history.

When the cage door closes, every strike and every scramble will carry the weight of national pride. For both fighters, the goal is clear: win for country, team, and legacy. A new chapter in the Pakistan-India rivalry is about to be written.