News flash: fighters get punched in the jaw! The jaw and its hinges, along with the chin, are common targets for knockout artists. A well-placed punch to the jaw can render an otherwise tremendously conditioned athlete unconscious in a heartbeat. Jaw training for strikers is important! Boxers of old and more than a few of the modern era believed that a bit of jaw conditioning renders one better able to sustain blows to this vital spot. The science as to the efficacy of this practice is not definitive, but for many, it makes sense to indulge in some insurance training that takes so little time out of your schedule. In olden days, many boxers would chew pitch in the belief that constantly working the jaw muscles was a good conditioner. Some used a plug of tobacco that they kept moving from side to side for the same reason. Nowadays, many have adopted the practice of chewing large wads of gum with the same end in mind. Chewing gum is a bit of a low-impact activity for such a high-impact pursuit, so let’s have a look at what some have done to up the resistance ante. We’ll start with a British middleweight fighter of note from the late 1970s: Alan Minter. I won’t delve too much into Minter’s career. Suffice it to say that he garnered a bronze medal as a light middleweight at the 1972 Olympics and won an undisputed middleweight title in 1980 after having spent time on the British and European middleweight thrones. To train his jaw, Minter would take a neck-training apparatus and bite down on the head-strap portion. The weight was never heavy — photos show what appear to be a couple of 5-pound plates dangling from the chain end — but this is a good jumping- off point. WARM-UP: The jaw, like all other portions of a fighter’s anatomy, should have its own warm-up and mobility regimen. To start, open your mouth as wide as possible. Hold that position for a moment, then close your mouth and clench your jaw. Hold that, too. Repeat this sequence five times, then shift the jaw from side to side five times. Finally, make small circles five times clockwise and five times counterclockwise. ISOMETRICS Even without specialized equipment, you can boost your jaw strength by implementing the following. Place your palm under your chin and then, while applying resistance, open your jaw and close it. Try to apply pressure on both the positive and negative aspects of the exercise. Repeat five times.  Next, position your jaw a bit forward as if you’re imitating a bulldog. Place your palm against the front of your chin and apply resistance while it moves forward and backward. Repeat five times. Place your right palm on the right side of your jaw and use the same pressure protocol while effecting a side-to-side movement. Repeat five times on the right and on the left. Finally, open your mouth wide and place the fingers of one hand over the teeth of your lower jaw. Against slight resistance, close and then open your mouth five times. By all means, use reasonable pressure on this and the other exercises. You don’t want to loosen any teeth or dislocate anything. WEIGHT-STRAP WORK Now it’s time to crib from Minter. Grab a weight strap, which can be the neck strap of a harness or a clean rag connected to the harness. Attach a reasonable weight — recall that Minter used only around 10 pounds — and then bite down. First up is the “clench and hold.” Bite the rag and simply hold that position for a time. One minute is a good start. Rather than going up in weight, your goal is to extend your time. Work from one minute to three full minutes. Next is the “pendulum.” Bite the rag and slowly swing your head from side to side, allowing the momentum to add resistance. Work this swing until it just starts to become uncomfortable. (I find that this a good way to finish the “clench and hold.”) The next exercise is the “head rock.” Bite down on the rag and move your head from looking at the floor to looking up. Go slowly on this or you’ll risk fouling yourself with a 10-pound low blow. It bears repeating that if you’re aiming to make yourself knockout-proof, the efficacy of jaw training is still up in the air. However, very little time and effort are required to strengthen this portion of your anatomy under the guidance of the notion that “when you may need it, you’ve got it.” In other words, why not? Mark Hatmaker’s website is extremeselfprotection.com This article originally appeared in a 2021 issue of Black Belt Magazine.

After a spectacular UFC debut where he defeated Yusaku Kinoshita in under four minutes last August, Billy Goff was eager to continue his momentum. However, fate had other plans, and a car accident sidelined him for nine months. Now, fully recovered and only 25 years old, Goff is ready to return to the Octagon this Saturday against Trey Waters. Despite the forced hiatus, Goff used his time wisely, focusing on ingraining productive habits and maintaining his physical conditioning. With a professional record boasting nine wins in 11 bouts, seven of which were knockouts, Goff's rigorous training regimen seems to have paid dividends. However, replicating the unique intensity of a live fight during training sessions remains a challenge, one that Goff navigates by visualizing and mentally preparing for every aspect of the fight. In preparation for his upcoming bout, Goff has been sparring with a unique training partner, the 6-foot-7 welterweight "Scarecrow," Trevor Gudde. This strategic choice aims to simulate the challenges posed by Waters' impressive height and reach. Goff discusses the tactical adjustments required when facing taller opponents and expresses confidence in his ability to exploit these differences to his advantage. Reflecting on his first UFC victory in Singapore, Goff emphasizes the importance of savoring the moment, grateful for the guidance of his coach, Michael Dexter, during the high-pressure situation. With a new fight looming, Goff remains unfazed by the risks, embodying a fighter's spirit determined to finish his opponent and secure his position as one of the most promising talents in the UFC.

Last November, Rodrigo Nascimento experienced the thrill of competing in front of a large crowd in his native Brazil, an event that left an indelible mark on him. Overwhelmed by the adrenaline rush, Nascimento vividly recalls the electrifying atmosphere as he exchanged punches with Don’Tale Mayes in Sao Paulo. “Every punch felt like it echoed through the crowd," he shared, his face lighting up at the memory. This weekend marks a significant milestone for the rising heavyweight as he makes his first appearance of 2024, stepping into the Octagon against seasoned fighter Derrick Lewis in St. Louis. The event promises to be nothing short of spectacular, with Nascimento headlining for the first time, a testament to his escalating career trajectory. In his previous fight, Nascimento had openly expressed his desire to challenge a top 15 opponent. Facing Lewis, a two-time title challenger, not only fulfills this ambition but also sets the stage for a potentially career-defining moment. “Derrick Lewis is not just any opponent; he's the best possible challenge I could ask for at this point,” Nascimento stated, clearly enthusiastic about the upcoming battle. Lewis, known for the most knockout wins in UFC history, poses a formidable challenge. Despite recent setbacks, Lewis's reputation and skill set command respect. Nascimento, however, is undeterred and approaches the fight with a mix of respect and unwavering confidence. “It’s an honor to face such a legend, but I’m here to win, and I believe I will,” he asserted. Training intensively, Nascimento has prepared for the rigors of a five-round fight, attributing his improved discipline and strategic mindset to his newfound faith and rigorous preparation. He shared, "Training for five rounds is grueling, but it’s a challenge I’m ready for. It’s about finding the balance and exploiting the right moments." As the event approaches, Nascimento remains focused solely on the fight, aware of the stakes involved and the opportunity it presents. “This fight is about proving to myself and to the world what I'm capable of. Beating Derrick Lewis would be a major leap forward in my career,” he concluded, a mix of anticipation and determination in his voice. With the spotlight firmly on him this weekend, Rodrigo Nascimento is not just participating in another fight; he’s stepping into a moment that could define his legacy in the world of MMA.

Top Emirati prospects Hadi Al Hussaini and Youssef Al Housani will compete in Showcase bouts during the inaugural PFL MENA Season PFL MENA is the home to top MMA fighters from the Middle East and North Africa competing in the proven PFL Season format with all events taking place live in the MENA region PFL MENA: Riyadh the first of four PFL MENA Season events will be live Friday, May 10 on MBC ACTION and SHAHID, the leading streaming platform in MENA, by MBC GROUP and will be accessible to fans across the region The Professional Fighters League (PFL), today announced the signing of two top MMA prospects from the United Arab Emirates, flyweight Hadi Omar Al Hussaini and featherweight Youssef Al Housani to exclusive, multi-fight contracts. Al Hussaini and Al Housani are expected to compete in Showcase bouts in the inaugural PFL MENA season, before joining next year’s season. “We are thrilled to welcome two of the UAE’s top prospects to PFL MENA,” said Gustavo Firmino, VP of Fighter Operations, PFL MENA. “The mission of the PFL is to find the best fighters in every region around the world. Our partnership with SRJ Sports has allowed the PFL to identify and sign exceptional fighters like Al Hussaini and Al Housani who we know have the potential to become global stars in the sport. Undefeated to start his career, Hadi Omar Al Hussaini joins PFL MENA with a 5-0-1 professional record. The former UAE Warriors standout trains at the world-renowned American Kickboxing Academy in San Jose, California under Javier Mendez, alongside world champions Islam Makhachev, Usman Nurmagomedov and Umar Nurmagomedov. Youssef Al Housani, meanwhile, joins PFL MENA with a 4-1 professional record. The Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu brown belt is an elite-level grappler with multiple Abu Dhabi Jiu-Jitsu Pro championships to his name. Outside the cage, Al Housani is an accomplished actor, appearing in the UAE-based TV show Ramadan.

José Aldo, famously known as "The King of Rio," has not only been enshrined in the UFC Hall of Fame's Modern Wing in 2023 but continues to prove why he is a legend of the sport. Here is a story ahead of José Aldo's upcoming fight in UFC 301. Unstoppable Rise in WEC and UFC Beginning with WEC, Aldo's dominance was undeniable as he amassed an 8-0 record with seven finishes, capturing and defending the WEC title. His explosive debut on June 1, 2008, was just the start. By November 2010, he clinched the inaugural UFC featherweight championship, which he defended seven times, including an iconic 18-fight winning streak before a historic bout against Conor McGregor. Remarkable Knockouts and Memorable Fights Aldo's striking power is legendary, securing 17 wins by knockout and a host of first-round finishes. Among his notable knockouts are battles against Chad Mendes at UFC 142, where a knee strike sealed a dramatic victory, and at UFC on FOX, where he dismantled Jeremy Stephens with a fierce body kick. Transition and Continued Excellence Despite a tough move to the bantamweight division in 2019, Aldo displayed resilience against top contenders and remained a formidable force, highlighted by his last four fights, winning three impressively. Legacy in the Octagon Aldo's career is adorned with 27 thrilling UFC/WEC fights, each showcasing his strategic brilliance and ferocity. His fights against the likes of The Korean Zombie and Chad Mendes are etched in MMA history as some of the most electrifying encounters. The Next Chapter Even after his induction into the Hall of Fame, Aldo isn't hanging up his gloves. He's set to return from retirement for a co-main event clash against Jonathan Martinez at UFC 301 in Rio de Janeiro, proving his undying passion for the sport. A Style Icon in MMA Aldo's fighting style—a blend of explosive striking and relentless aggression—has made him one of the greatest featherweights ever. His ability to outperform opponents in their own game, combined with his unparalleled finishing skills, continues to inspire fighters worldwide. José Aldo's journey through MMA is a saga of resilience, power, and unparalleled skill, making him a true immortal in the realm of combat sports.

Each of the 14 bouts features a Brazilian warrior, giving local fans numerous reasons to cheer in the "Marvelous City." Every Bout at UFC's Rio Return Could See a Brazilian Fighter Claim Victory. As the UFC makes its electrifying return to Rio de Janeiro for UFC 301, the lineup is bursting with Brazilian Stars, ready to set the Farmasi Arena ablaze. This event not only celebrates the rich martial arts heritage of Brazil but also showcases how Brazilian fighters have been pivotal in propelling UFC to global prominence. Main Attractions Alexandre Pantoja The reigning Flyweight Champion and Rio's own, Alexandre Pantoja, headlines UFC 301, marking his first pay-per-view event in Brazil. With a professional record of 27-5 and a current five-fight winning streak, Pantoja has vanquished top contenders like Brandon Moreno and Alex Perez. His bout against the formidable Steve Erceg is more than just a fight; it's a homecoming celebration where he aims to cement his legacy among the great Brazilian MMA champions. José Aldo A legend of the sport and a symbol of Brazilian tenacity, José Aldo, returns from a brief retirement to reengage with the UFC world. The former featherweight king and UFC Hall of Famer, with a record of 31-8, faces Jonathan Martinez in a highly anticipated co-main event. Aldo's career is a testament to the spirit of Brazilian fighters, and a victory here could redefine his journey, proving that the fire of the "King of Rio" still burns fiercely. Vitor Petrino Unbeaten and undeterred, Vitor Petrino is a beacon of Brazil's new generation of fighters. With an immaculate 11-0 record, this light heavyweight sensation from Minas Gerais is a storm in the octagon. His upcoming clash with veteran Anthony Smith is more than a fight; it's Petrino's chance to claim his place among the elite, showcasing the relentless power and skill of Brazilian light heavyweights. Additional Highlights Michel Pereira Known as "Demolidor," Michel Pereira is a spectacle of agility and innovation in the middleweight division. With a record of 30-11 and riding a seven-fight win streak, Pereira's unorthodox blend of karate, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and wrestling makes him one of the most thrilling fighters to watch. His next challenge against Ihor Potieria could propel him into the rankings, highlighting the unpredictable brilliance of Brazilian martial artists. Caio Borralho Hailing from São Luís, Maranhão, Caio Borralho has been a force of nature in the middleweight division. With a 15-1 record and a 12-fight win streak, Borralho's skills in judo, jiu-jitsu, and Muay Thai have made him a formidable contender. His upcoming bout against grappling expert Paul Craig is a critical step in his quest to solidify his status among the top fighters, illustrating the depth of Brazilian talent in UFC. Joanderson Brito From Santa Helena, Maranhao, Joanderson Brito has rebounded from his UFC debut loss with four consecutive victories, showcasing his prowess and resilience. A win against Jack Shore could see him break into the featherweight rankings, a testament to the enduring spirit and skill of Brazilian fighters. Emerging Talents Elves Brener From Maues, Amazonas, Elves Brener has captivated fans with five consecutive victories, all finished before the final bell. His aggressive style blends jiu-jitsu and Muay Thai, epitomizing the dynamic and explosive nature of Brazilian martial arts. Iasmin Lucindo At just 22, Fortaleza's Iasmin Lucindo represents the vibrant future of Brazilian UFC fighters. Following a rocky start, her back-to-back victories have set the stage for a critical showdown with former title challenger Karolina Kowalkiewicz, offering her a chance to skyrocket her career. Dione Barbosa A protégé of the legendary Cris Cyborg, Barbosa is quickly making a name for herself in the women's flyweight division. Her upcoming bout is more than a fight; it's a chance to continue the legacy of Brazilian women in the UFC, showcasing their fierce spirit and unparalleled skill.

The pandemic made a plethora of videos available for people who wish to continue their training while in lockdown or near lockdown. This is a great thing for all practicing martial artists because everyone suddenly has access to notable fighters and trainers who were previously unavailable to the masses. Here is special feature: Keyboard Warriors.   Photo by Peter Lueders 2 C O M B A T I V E S You’d think that the response would be equally great and grateful by members of the public who are seeking to better their skills. But you would be wrong. Instead, average Joe’s with nothing more than an opinionated keyboard wade in to critique, criticize, malign and impugn well known and accomplished fighters, coaches and instructors. The most recent target I’ve seen is Cain Velasquez. You know, he’s the two-time UFC heavyweight champion who, after developing a notable wrestling pedigree, went on to amateur MMA, fighting his way to the top and eventually getting his shot in the UFC. He then beat a slew of accomplished fighters — no tomato cans — that included Brock Lesnar, Junior dos Santos, Cheick Kongo, Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira, Travis Browne and Ben Rothwell. Velasquez’s video topic was how to develop punching power — which obviously he has and has demonstrated by accumulating many TKO and KO victories. What he was teaching has worked for him in high-level combat-sports bouts attended by tens of thousands and watched by millions. So, as a matter of fact (not fiction or fantasy), he’s proved that he can sleep the big boys. Despite the credibility that should stem from those performances, the vitriol hurled at the MMA fighter was astounding. I actually screenshot some of the comments and posted on my Facebook page about it. Heavily opinionated comments from people who were not qualified at all to say anything or people who may “play” at training but had never fought (and certainly not at Velasquez’s level if they had) spewed criticism as if they had a right. It was disgusting. As I’ve written before, this is indicative of the age of social media. None of these asshats would ever take the time to find Velasquez’s gym, walk in and say, “Dude, I think you’re teaching crap and I’m happy to get in the ring and show you why.” None of them. Sniping from the safety of a laptop has become the attack of the day. Worse, the piling on by equally unqualified underachievers serves only to validate the original comment. One flaw in their arguments is not acknowledging that there are many ways to achieve the same result. Why can people not agree to disagree? Or simply choose not to use a method promulgated by an instructor without feeling the need to excoriate him or her? In this instance, why would someone who is at most a part-time player or a fairground fighter in some local-yocal promotion feel qualified to denigrate someone who not only got to but also stayed at the top of the game, a person who became a champion — twice? It’ shameful and laughable. While this condition has always existed (my sensei is better than your sensei, our karate is better than your karate, etc.), the addition of ether anonymity and the removal of physical threat have exacerbated it. People feel compelled to offer their opinion without understanding that opinion is not fact; it is often merely a preference. When people state their opinion, there’s a compulsion by many to attempt to show why that opinion is wrong. But can an opinion or a preference be wrong? I’m unsure what the future holds with. regard to all this. There is no burning bush, there is no “one way,” there is no universal agreement about anything. But people are free to have preferences. And although someone’s preference isn’t your own, it doesn’t necessarily mean it’s wrong — in particular, when there’s undeniable performance metrics that prove the validity of that preference. All too often, people respond to these situations with, “Well, when people put themselves out there, that’s going to happen.” And to a degree that’s true. But what about calling out the shortsightedness? The smarminess? The ludicrous statements made by basement badasses? That’s the piling on that should happen. Accountability is diluted if not removed entirely by the keyboard. There’s no negative consequence to some twit posting uneducated nonsense about someone who’s been there and done that — especially in one of the most popular and visible arenas that exist today. Unfortunately, there is positive consequence for the poster: the army-building validation that other people provide by supporting such ridiculous comments. It makes me sick. And that’s my opinion. Kelly McCann’s book Combatives for Street Survival: Hard-Core Countermeasures for High-Risk Situations is available at shop.blackbeltmag.com . For information about his online courses, visit madrills.com . This article originally appeared in a 2020 edition of Black Belt Magazine.

UAE Warriors will celebrate a big anniversary weekend in its history on May 17 & 18 in Abu Dhabi with two big events featuring athletes from across the planet. UAE Warriors 49: Arabia vs. Africa , taking place on Friday, May 17, will be a special event pitting the Arabian and African division of fighters against each other. The promotion launched ‘UAE Warriors Arabia’ in 2021 and followed this up with the addition of ‘UAE Warriors Africa’ in 2022. The goal of which was to provide a global platform to showcase fighters with Arabian and African heritage to help develop the careers of MMA fighters across these regions. The main event of UAE Warriors 49 will see Palestine’s  Randy Saadeh (13-4) take on South Africa’s  Cedric Doyle (10-6-1) . Saadeh, who is based in Germany, is a former BAMMA champion and has been competing in UAE Warriors since 2021, while Doyle is an EFC veteran who UAE Warriors last year. The following night, on Saturday, May 18, the historic  UAE Warriors 50  will see no less than three title fights featuring world-class fighters from all over the world. UAE Warriors double-champ  Ali Alqaisi (15-7)  defends his featherweight title in the main event against top Swedish striker  Samuel Bark (9-2) . In the co-main event, undefeated Russian  Shakhban Alkhasov (8-0)  faces Azerbaijan's  Tahir Abdullaev (16-2)  for the vacant welterweight title and Japan's  Yamato Fujita (11-4)  will meet Brazil's  Iago 'Pitbull' Ribeiro (12-3)  for the inaugural UAE Warriors flyweight title.

Former BRAVE CF Bantamweight world champion Jose ‘Shorty’ Torres is out for redemption at BRAVE CF 82 when he fights Nkosi Ndebele in the main event.  This will be the third fight between Torres and Nkosi; marking the first trilogy in BRAVE Combat Federation history. In the first fight between the two at BRAVE CF 73, it was Torres who came out on top through a split decision win. In turn, he captured the Bantamweight world title. In the rematch which happened at BRAVE CF 80, Nkosi forced Torres to quit in the third round and became the Bantamweight world champion.  Now, with the stage set for a historic trilogy showdown, Jose Torres aims to prove a point not only to the world but to himself.  "I’m going to try my best to prove myself; to not just the world but to myself as well. I know how good I have been. I have achieved so much, but I want so much more," Torres shared during an Instagram interaction with his fans. Speaking further, Torres admitted that he had to pay the price for taking Nkosi lightly in the second fight. He also addressed the nasty cuts which he suffered in the fight at BRAVE CF 80.  “And with this opponent, I took him too lightly in the last fight. I was playing around and I got beat up for it. Now, I also have a price to pay because I am going in there slightly handicapped [points to his eyebrows which were cut during the second fight with Nkosi Ndebele] so the same thing could happen. So, for me, can I push through that this time? Can I push through and not let this happen and show how good I really am by doing the things I need to do; preventing all this from happening again or something new? Show the world how good I am. So that is my goal, it is the road to redemption,” Shorty concluded. BRAVE CF 82, set for May 11 in Mauritius, will not only witness the historic showdown between Jose Torres and Nkosi Ndebele but also showcase other thrilling fights, including the co-main event clash between Nicholas Hwende and Khurshed Nazarov which has major implications on the Bantamweight division.

Reece McLaren held serve at ONE Fight Night 22 with a unanimous decision win over Hu Yong in their flyweight showdown. The No. 4 - ranked flyweight contender in ONE Championship has long coveted the gold but has missed out on having it adorned on his shoulder. After his latest victory, the Australian athlete feels he is on the doorstep of his next opportunity. “I feel that I am, at any stage, on any win, one step away from that World Title shot, regardless of being ranked or not ranked. I’ve been in ONE now for nearly nine years, [with] 10 wins. It’s been a long journey, man. I feel like I’ve paid my dues. The best flyweights in the world are in ONE Championship. I have been saying that for years ,” McLaren told ONE. The man sitting on the throne is widely considered the greatest to ever compete in the sport, Demetrious Johnson. While McLaren wants a shot at the belt, he is also clear that the division needs to move forward if Johnson is not ready to put it on the line in the near future. And if so, McLaren is ready for that as well. “No, he’s definitely not afraid. The man’s the greatest mixed martial artist of all time. There’s no way he’d be afraid,” McLaren stated. “In the same breath, don’t hold out. Either give us a shot at an interim [title] or just relinquish, man.” However, if none of that happens, McLaren still has other things on his mind. Predominantly, “Lightning” wants another match against Danny Kingad. The 2019 loss to his flyweight rival still eats at him, largely because he believes he should have gotten his hand raised when they initially met. “I think everyone knows I won that fight. I think he’s been hiding up in the mountains ever since I’ve been calling for that fight,” the Aussie offered. “Like I said, I’m not here to wait in any line. I’m not here to play any game. I want that belt, man. I want my flyweight belt.” Aside for contendership, McLaren was also happy to represent Australia on the global stage. After some recent losses by other Aussie athletes, the flyweight star notched a win for the country to show their martial arts prowess to the global viewing audience. “[Danial Williams] had said [to] get Australia back in the win column. I think Australia in ONE was on a bit of a losing streak. I think we’d lost our last four fights. So, for me, that was more important than trying to snap his win [streak], whether you could believe that or not. I don’t want to feel like I carried that with me, as I was just very much focused on this fight,” McLaren said.

MMA fans will have to wait a little longer to see Luthando Biko inside the BRAVE Combat Federation cage as he has been forced to withdraw from the BRAVE CF 82 card in Mauritius due to a rib injury. Biko, a former Commonwealth Games Gold Medallist in Judo, was set to make his BRAVE CF debut against Georgia’s Bidzina Gavashelishvili in a highly anticipated Flyweight bout on May 11. However, the South African has revealed that an unfortunate injury has forced him to withdraw from the fight. Biko also noted that he is looking forward to making his BRAVE CF debut post recovery.  ‘’It is unfortunate that I’ve got this injury before the biggest fight of my life. I had been training hard and I’m sad to have to postpone, but I can’t go through with it. It wouldn’t be fair to my fans, to my opponent, and to myself. I am looking forward to returning very soon and kickstart my road towards the belt,” Biko said. One of the top MMA fighters in Africa, Biko recently signed with the most global MMA organization in the world and was hoping to kickstart his journey towards the BRAVE CF Flyweight title at BRAVE CF 82.  Despite this setback, BRAVE CF 82 boasts an impressive lineup, headlined by the historic trilogy clash between Jose ‘Shorty’ Torres and Nkosi Ndebele. The event will also feature a pivotal Bantamweight showdown between Nicholas Hwende and promotional debutant Khurshed Nazarov, along with several other exciting matchups. This event marks BRAVE Combat Federation's debut in Mauritius and the organization's fourth event in the African continent.

BRAVE CF 82 will see Nicholas Hwende going up against promotional debutant Khurshed Nazarov in the co-main event of the evening. Zimbabwe’s Nicholas Hwende wants to put the skills of Khurshed Nazarov to the test when they face off in the co-main event of BRAVE CF 82 in Mauritius on May 11.  Hwende, who is coming off an impressive victory over Tajikistan’s Mutolibsho Akobirov at BRAVE CF 77, will be looking to extend his winning streak when he steps into the cage against Nazarov in Mauritius. Another win could catapult him into the Bantamweight title picture and Hwende is aware of these implications. He has already made his intentions clear about wanting to fight for the Bantamweight world title and a win over Nazarov would be crucial. Speaking on Fighting Talk w/ Tshuck ahead of the fight, Hwende noted that he is planning to take Nazarov to deep waters and urged his opponent to stay healthy.  “I would just like to say to Khurshed Nazarov. Be prepared, train as hard as you can. I am expecting a big fight, not just a one-round fight. I want to fight with you as hard as I can, please. I want to experience your wrestling; I want to experience your striking and your heart as well. So actually, I will just say, please stay healthy and be fit for that day because I’m ready and I can’t wait to put my hands on you,” Hwende noted. Nazarov enters the fight with an undefeated record of nine wins, no losses and one draw, aiming to make a strong impression in his BRAVE CF debut. Representing the Central Asia region alongside BRAVE CF World champions Nemat Abdrashitov and Abdisalam Kubanychbek, Nazarov seeks to establish himself as a contender in the Bantamweight division and potentially avenge his fellow countryman Mutolibsho Akobirov's loss to Hwende at BRAVE CF 77. BRAVE CF 82 happens in Mauritius on May 11 and will be headlined by the Bantamweight world title fight between Nkosi Ndebele and Jose ‘Shorty’ Torres. The event will mark BRAVE CF’s debut event in the country and the fourth event in the African continent.