- George Chung
- Oct 3, 2024
- 3 min read
At BRAVE CF 88, held in Slovenia on September 28, two fighters solidified their place in Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) history: Erko Jun and Pavel Dailidko. Their triumphs in the Light Heavyweight and Heavyweight divisions, respectively, not only earned them championship gold but also catapulted them into the elite of BRAVE Combat Federation.
Erko Jun: The Rise of a Light Heavyweight King
Erko Jun’s path to the BRAVE CF Light Heavyweight Championship is nothing short of inspiring. Originally from Bosnia, Jun first gained attention for his impressive physique and background in fitness. However, it was his transition to MMA that truly showcased his combat skills. Erko’s explosive athleticism and heavy hands quickly made him a fan favorite, and his determination to evolve as a fighter was evident from the start.
The journey to the top started at BRAVE CF 70 in Slovenia. Erko Jun headlined the fight card in what was his BRAVE CF debut and impressed everyone when he stopped Marko Drmonjic in the first-round to kickstart his rise to the top. At BRAVE CF 81, Erko Jun secured a vicious knockout fighting Mohamed Said Maalem in the main event.
Known for his intense training regime and passion for improving his overall game, Jun developed a more well-rounded approach, mixing striking with grappling, which proved crucial in his rise through the Light Heavyweight ranks.
His most recent performances showcased a newfound maturity in the cage, combining patience with devastating power, leading him to earn the Light Heavyweight title at BRAVE CF 88 against Alexander Wesner.
In the title fight, Jun displayed resilience and skill, defeating his opponent in a dominant fashion, solidifying his place as a top fighter in the division.
Pavel Dailidko: The Heavyweight Powerhouse
In the Heavyweight division, Pavel Dailidko’s ascent to the BRAVE CF title is a testament to his raw power and technical prowess. Hailing from Lithuania, Dailidko built a reputation as a fearsome striker, utilizing his immense strength and sharp boxing skills to decimate opponents. Early in his career, he made a name for himself with brutal knockouts, and it wasn't long before BRAVE CF took notice of his talent.
Dailidko’s road to championship gold wasn’t without challenges, but his persistence and work ethic were evident in every performance. His ability to weather storms in the cage, combined with his knockout power, made him a constant threat in the Heavyweight division.
Pavel, faced off Slovenia’s Luka Podkrajsek at BRAVE CF 70 in what was his second fight in the organization. The Lithuanian entered the fight on the back of his debut loss in BRAVE Combat Federation against Shamil Gaziev and was looking for a breakthrough performance. He got just that when he stopped Luka Podkrajsek in the first-round. This marked the start of Pavel’s rise in the BRAVE CF Heavyweight division after which he secured three more knockout wins before BRAVE CF 88.
At BRAVE CF 88, he demonstrated his dominance by capturing the Heavyweight Championship with a resounding victory, firmly establishing himself as the new face of the division.
What’s Next for Jun and Dailidko?
For both champions, the future holds incredible possibilities. With BRAVE Combat Federation expanding its influence globally, Erko Jun and Pavel Dailidko are now among the most recognized fighters in the organization. Their titles not only cement their legacies but also place them as key figures in the future of BRAVE CF.
Erko Jun may look to defend his title against rising Light Heavyweight contenders, with speculation swirling around potential matchups. Fans are eager to see whether he will evolve further or if challengers will expose any weaknesses in his game. Meanwhile, Pavel Dailidko’s reign as the Heavyweight champion opens up opportunities to face some of the most dangerous fighters in the division.
Their stories of hard work, persistence, and undeniable skill have captivated fans worldwide, and now, as titleholders, they face the challenge of defending their belts and solidifying their legacies.
