Luiz Cado has officially vacated the BRAVE CF Super Welterweight World Championship after undergoing two knee surgeries, choosing long-term recovery over remaining at the top of the 175-pound division. The decision comes months after he captured the title in October 2024 and remained sidelined due to persistent injury complications.

The 33-year-old Brazilian made the move to allow the division to progress while he focuses on rehabilitation. He confirmed he is not retiring from mixed martial arts and intends to return once fully healthy.

Cado won the championship at BRAVE CF 89 by defeating Kamal Magomedov in the main event, reaching the peak of his professional career. However, extended time away from competition forced a difficult reassessment of his status as champion.

Throughout his BRAVE CF tenure, Luiz Cado remained undefeated in four appearances and secured three finishes. His aggressive style and consistent performances established him as one of the most dangerous contenders in the weight class.

His championship reign began under unusual circumstances following a disqualification result against Magomedov. Despite that outcome, he publicly committed to proving himself as the undisputed leader of the division through active defenses.

Injury halts championship plans

Lingering knee damage prevented Luiz Cado from returning to the cage throughout most of 2025. The physical recovery process, combined with the responsibility of holding a world title, ultimately led him to relinquish the belt.

He stated that stepping aside was one of the hardest choices of his career but emphasized that the division deserves momentum and active competition. While vacating the title, he reiterated that his journey in the sport is not over.

BRAVE CF 104 reshapes division future

The vacancy significantly impacts BRAVE CF 104, scheduled for Saturday, February 14, at Aleksandar Nikolić Hall in Belgrade, Serbia. The event now carries added weight for the super welterweight division as contenders position themselves for the open championship.

Nikola Joksović will face Luciano Palhano in a pivotal matchup that could determine the next challenger for Interim Champion Alex “Da Killa King” Lohoré. The winner is expected to play a central role in crowning the next undisputed super welterweight champion later this year.

With Luiz Cado stepping aside, the 175-pound landscape enters a new chapter defined by opportunity, urgency and heightened stakes within BRAVE CF.