BRAVE Combat Federation Returns To China With Explosive Card At BRAVE CF 98
Sep 08, 2025
| Share:
September 8, 2025 - Zhengzhou, China: BRAVE Combat Federation™ (BRAVE CF), the world’s fastest-growing and most global mixed martial arts organization, has partnered with YFU once again to host a blockbuster extravaganza in China for the third time in its history with BRAVE CF 98 on Friday, September 19, live from the Henan TV Studio 8 in Zhengzhou.
BRAVE CF President Mohammed Shahid has expressed excitement about the landmark event:
“Our goal in every market we enter has always been to help develop MMA as an industry, and China is no exception. With our third event taking place in the country, I am confident we will soon witness tremendous growth for the sport here. This upcoming card will feature everything from a world title showdown to the emergence of future Asian MMA superstars — athletes with the potential to become the next Khamzat Chimaev or Ilia Topuria. On September 19, MMA fans around the globe will have the chance to see China’s finest talents on display.”
For the first time ever, a BRAVE World Championship will be on the line in China, as No. 1-ranked contender Omar Solomanov of Ukraine faces No. 2-ranked contender Rauan “Shymyr” Bekbolat of Kazakhstan in a much-anticipated rematch for the BRAVE Interim Featherweight World Title. The winner will earn the golden ticket to challenge reigning divisional king Nemat “Eagle” Abdrashitov of Kyrgyzstan in a unification showdown.
Solomanov and Bekbolat first crossed paths at BRAVE CF 85 in August 2024, where the Kazakh sensation shocked the world by submitting the Ukrainian standout via guillotine choke in the third round. Their rivalry now takes center stage in Zhengzhou with the stakes higher than ever before.
Adding to the excitement, China’s very own “The Stalker” Xie Bin will make his long-awaited BRAVE CF debut in the co-main event. Xie, who has competed on some of the biggest stages in the sport, will test himself against former BRAVE CF Bantamweight World Champion Nicholas Hwende of Zimbabwe in a high-stakes Featherweight clash.
Bolstering the intrigue on the lead card is the much-awaited return of No. 5-ranked Super Lightweight contender Khamzat Maaev, widely recognized as both the teammate and doppelganger of global star Khamzat Chimaev, as well as the maiden appearance of Indian dynamo Owais Yaqoob, who makes history as the first mixed martial artist from Kashmir to compete under a major international MMA promotion. In addition, Indian veteran Kantharaj Agasa is set to make his comeback after nearly six years away from the BRAVE CF cage, bringing another layer of suspense to the lineup.
Apart from the marquee attractions, the card is set to feature seven thrilling supporting matchups, showcasing a roster of emerging Chinese talents eager to prove themselves against elite international opposition. This event promises to deliver an evening of world-class MMA, celebrating BRAVE CF’s mission of providing athletes with a platform to shine.
BRAVE CF 98
Zhengzhou, China
Friday, September 19
BRAVE CF Interim Featherweight World Championship
(1) Omar Solomanov vs. (2) Rauan Bekbolat II
Featherweight Bout
Xie Bin vs. Nicholas Hwende
Super Lightweight Bout
(5) Khamzat Maaev vs. Ferhad Ehmedov
Lightweight Bout
Ian Paul Lora vs. Owais Yaqoob
59-KG Catchweight Bout
Jiniushiyue vs. Luthando Biko
Bantamweight Bout
Ti Haitao vs. Kantharaj Agasa
Featherweight Bout
Kalinu Kadelibieke vs. Turbayar Khurelbaatar
Featherweight Bout
Zeqiuduoji vs. Mojtaba Nasiri
Featherweight Bout
Zhao Yikun vs. Ahmed Tarek
*Note: Fights and bout order subject to change.
BRAVE CF 98 will be broadcast live worldwide on Friday, September 19. Fans can visit bravecf.com for more information on how to watch in their respective regions. BRAVE Combat Federation extends its gratitude to Official BRAVE CF 98 Partner YFU, as well as apparel partner RDX.