BRAVE Combat Federation makes its long-awaited Swiss debut on May 17, 2025, at Arena de Genève with BRAVE CF 94 — a landmark event in the promotion’s global expansion. Among the most anticipated matchups on the card is the featherweight co-main event: French MMA veteran Damien Lapilus (18-17-2) squares off against Brazil’s submission machine, Victor Hugo (25-5-0), in a classic striker-versus-grappler showdown.

This bout forms part of BRAVE CF’s “Year of the BRAVE” campaign, spotlighting elite talent from 14 nations on a single card — a powerful statement of the promotion’s global reach and commitment to diversity in MMA.

The Return of “The Walking Dead”

Damien Lapilus, known as “The Walking Dead,” is no stranger to high-stakes bouts. A former BAMMA featherweight champion, the 34-year-old fighter from MMA Factory in Paris has weathered some of Europe’s toughest opponents. Renowned for his technical jiu-jitsu base and refined striking, Lapilus views this clash as a turning point to reassert his claim among the elite featherweights of BRAVE CF.

With his signature grit and veteran IQ, Lapilus is expected to keep the fight upright, where his evolving stand-up game can shine.

Victor Hugo: Grappling Royalty Goes Global

Facing him is Victor Hugo, a Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt and four-time IBJJF world champion under the Ribeiro brothers. Transitioning to MMA with explosive success, Hugo has racked up 10 submissions and 7 knockouts, showcasing the brutality behind his smooth ground game.

Now stepping onto the BRAVE CF stage, Hugo brings his mat dominance to the international spotlight — aiming to announce himself as a top-tier threat in the featherweight ranks.

More Than a Fight: A Career-Critical Clash

This isn’t just a co-main event — it’s a crossroads. Lapilus fights to reaffirm his status, while Hugo seeks to break out as the next big name in BRAVE CF’s global roster. The stakes are clear: the winner edges closer to title contention in one of the organization’s most competitive divisions.

With Hugo’s submission arsenal and Lapilus’ veteran savvy, this stylistic battle could tilt the featherweight landscape for the rest of the year.