Ramazan Gitinov has never lacked victories, but on Saturday, February 14, in Belgrade, Serbia, he aims for a defining moment. BRAVE Combat Federation kicks off its 2026 campaign with BRAVE CF 104 at the Aleksandar Nikolić Hall, part of BRAVE International Combat Week staged alongside the IMMAF European Championships.

The lightweight division contest between Gitinov and Armenia’s Artur Arutyunyan carries a narrative beyond the record books. Gitinov, the No. 2-ranked contender in the division, walks into Belgrade undefeated at 6-0 as a professional, yet his dominance stretches across amateur and professional ranks with a remarkable 35-fight winning streak.

“I have been preparing for this stage my entire life,” Gitinov said. “Every fight, every tournament, every medal brought me here. Belgrade is not just another fight for me. It is my moment to show the world who I am.”

Amateur pedigree meets professional ambition

Before turning professional, Gitinov built one of the most decorated amateur MMA careers in history. He is a three-time IMMAF World Champion and multi-medalist across European, Asian, World, and MMA Supercup competitions. “Amateur MMA taught me discipline, composure, and how to win under pressure,” he explained. “Those experiences never leave you. When the lights are brightest, I feel at home.”

Now, the Bahraini fighter carries that championship pedigree into the BRAVE CF cage, representing the country’s rise as a global MMA powerhouse. Across from him stands Arutyunyan, who comes in with an 11-3 professional record and a five-fight winning streak. The Armenian is a dangerous finisher with ten stoppage victories and has never been submitted.

The matchup is a collision of styles and legacies. Gitinov’s relentless consistency faces Arutyunyan’s decisive finishing ability and proven durability. “This is not just about staying unbeaten,” Gitinov shared. “This is about proving that my dominance is real, that I belong among the best in the world, and that this is only the beginning.”

Setting the stage in Belgrade

The historic Aleksandar Nikolić Hall and a knowledgeable Serbian crowd offer the perfect stage for this fight. The event coincides with a week celebrating amateur MMA, a foundation Gitinov himself once dominated. “To fight during this week, in front of fans who understand the journey from amateur to professional, is something special. I want to inspire the next generation the same way I was inspired,” he said.

Belgrade has long appreciated technical, high-level MMA, and the clash between Gitinov and Arutyunyan could redefine the lightweight landscape in BRAVE CF. With global attention on the event, the stakes go beyond the cage, encompassing legacy, pressure, and arrival for both fighters.