Borislav Nikolić’s long-anticipated return to Serbia is officially locked in, as the BRAVE CF bantamweight world champion is booked to compete at BRAVE CF 104. The event will take place at Aleksandar Nikolić Hall in Belgrade on Saturday, February 14, marking a milestone moment in his career.

The 33-year-old champion will square off with Portugal’s Matheus Malta in a three-round, 64-kilogram catchweight bout. While the title will not be on the line, the fight carries deep personal significance for the Serbian standout.

Nikolić has repeatedly expressed his desire to fight in front of his home crowd after rising to the top of the division abroad. After multiple attempts to stage a championship defense in Serbia fell through, this bout finally brings him back where his journey began.

“This is something I have wanted for a long time,” Nikolić said. “I may not be defending the belt this time, but fighting in Belgrade means everything to me.”

A champion shaped by a breakout year

Nikolić enters BRAVE CF 104 following a defining 2025 campaign that elevated him into one of the promotion’s marquee names. He carries a professional record of 15 wins and two losses, with eight submissions and six knockouts highlighting his finishing ability.

His rise reached its peak at BRAVE CF 96 last June, where he stunned the division by submitting then-champion Nicholas Hwende with a fourth-round ninja choke. The victory crowned him bantamweight world champion and reshaped the title picture.

Later in the year, Nikolić silenced a hostile crowd at the landmark BRAVE 100 event. He defended his throne with a fourth-round knockout of Bahraini veteran Hamza Kooheji, reinforcing his reputation as a composed and dangerous finisher.

Although BRAVE CF 104 will not feature a title defense, Nikolić has emphasized that the moment goes beyond rankings or belts. For him, the fight represents pride, identity and a chance to give back to the supporters who followed him long before championship gold.

“This is not about titles or rankings,” he said. “It is about pride, connection, and giving something special to the fans who have supported me since day one.”

Malta embraces the challenge

Across the cage stands Matheus Malta, a seasoned and technical opponent eager to seize the spotlight. The Portuguese fighter brings a 12-5 professional record, with seven victories coming by finish.

Malta developed his craft within Brazil’s demanding fight scene as part of the renowned Nova União camp. He later moved to Europe to expand his competitive opportunities and build momentum on the international stage.

For Malta, facing a reigning world champion in front of a partisan crowd represents a career-defining test. A strong performance in Belgrade could propel him into the global conversation within the bantamweight ranks.

With national pride on one side and opportunity on the other, BRAVE CF 104 sets the stage for an emotionally charged night. Nikolić’s return ensures the Belgrade crowd will witness one of the most meaningful fights of his career.