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‘I’m Not Bothered By It’ – Borislav Nikolic Embraces Challenge Of Defending World Title In Enemy Territory At BRAVE 100
Oct 28, 2025
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The air in Bahrain will be electric on Friday, November 7, as BRAVE Combat Federation reaches its monumental 100th live event at Khalifa Sports City in Isa Town.
On that historic night, Borislav Nikolic, the reigning BRAVE CF Bantamweight World Champion, will walk into the cage not as the hometown favorite, but as the man daring to defy the odds — ready to defend his crown against Bahrain’s beloved Hamza Kooheji in the main event of BRAVE 100.
The Serbian standout is no stranger to pressure. Just this past June at BRAVE CF 96, he snatched the World Title from Nicholas Hwende with a slick ninja choke, sending his home crowd into a frenzy.
But at BRAVE 100, the roles will be reversed. Instead of the cheers of compatriots, the 32-year-old will be met by a sea of Bahraini flags and the thunderous chants of Kooheji’s supporters.
For many, that would be daunting. But for Borislav Nikoli?, it’s destiny.
“Being a champion isn’t about where you fight; it’s about who you are when you step inside that cage,” Nikoli? declared with quiet conviction.
“A true champion doesn’t depend on the crowd, the country, or the comfort. You show up, wherever it is, and you prove yourself.”
The magnitude of BRAVE 100 would be enough to shake even the most seasoned mixed martial artist. However, Nikoli? isn’t interested in comfort zones. The hostile atmosphere, the spotlight, the energy pulsing through the arena — he welcomes it all.
“I know the crowd will be behind Hamza, and I respect that,” he admitted. “But I’m not bothered by it. In fact, I want that noise. I want that fire. I’ll turn that energy into my motivation and use it to fuel me every second of the fight.”
This isn’t just another defense — It’s a proving ground. The CDS Novi Sad Serbia representative refuses to rest on his laurels, approaching his first defense with the hunger of a man chasing the belt, not keeping it.
“Even though I’m the champion, I see myself as the underdog,” Nikoli? revealed. “That mindset keeps me sharp. I’m fighting like I have everything to gain, not something to protect. That’s what drives me.”
In Kooheji, Nikoli? squares off with a national icon — a fighter whose name commands respect across Bahrain.
The magnitude of facing such a figure, in front of a home audience, isn’t lost on the defending World Champion.
Yet for Nikoli?, this is an opportunity to transcend rivalry and connect through the language of courage and competition.
“This fight is a huge challenge, but it’s one I embrace,” he said. “I’m not here to break the hearts of the Bahraini fans; I’m here to win them over. They can cheer for me, too, if they want, because at the end of the day, respect is universal.”
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