A Night to Remember at the Mecca of Combat Sports UFC 309 delivered a historic night of action at Madison Square Garden in New York City, showcasing the best of mixed martial arts in front of a sold-out crowd of 20,200 fans. With a record-breaking ticket revenue of $16,673,954, the event lived up to its billing as one of the most anticipated cards of the year. Featuring thrilling finishes, technical masterclasses, and moments that will be etched in the sport’s history, UFC 309 was a testament to the dynamic and ever-evolving nature of MMA. From Jon Jones’ emphatic heavyweight title defense to Charles Oliveira’s tactical brilliance, the night had something for every fight fan. Let’s break down the action fight by fight. Here are the UFC 309 Results Main Event: Jon Jones vs. Stipe Miocic – Heavyweight Championship In the main event, Jon Jones cemented his status as one of the greatest fighters in MMA history by defeating former champion Stipe Miocic via KO/TKO at 4:29 of Round 3. The finish came with a spectacular spinning back kick to the body followed by a barrage of punches that left Miocic unable to continue. Jones started the fight with a measured approach, using his reach advantage to land jabs and leg kicks while avoiding Miocic’s power shots. Miocic, a seasoned veteran, had moments of success in the clinch and landed a few clean right hands in Round 2. However, Jones’ adaptability and fight IQ shone through as he began to mix up his strikes, setting traps for the eventual finish. With this victory, Jones solidifies his legacy as the undisputed king of the heavyweight division and one of the sport’s all-time greats. Post-fight, Jones stated, “Stipe is a legend, and I’m honored to share the Octagon with him. Tonight was about showing that I’m still improving.” Co-Main Event: Charles Oliveira vs. Michael Chandler – Lightweight Bout Charles Oliveira displayed tactical brilliance in a high-stakes lightweight bout against Michael Chandler, earning a unanimous decision victory (30-27, 30-27, 29-28). The fight was a showcase of Oliveira’s striking improvements and grappling acumen. Oliveira’s crisp combinations kept Chandler at bay, particularly a series of body kicks that visibly slowed the American fighter. Chandler’s explosive takedown attempts were met with Oliveira’s dangerous guard, forcing Chandler to retreat and reset. In the third round, Oliveira secured top control and attempted a rear-naked choke, nearly ending the fight before the final bell. After the fight, Oliveira expressed his desire for another title shot, saying, “I’m ready for anyone. I want to be champion again.” Bo Nickal vs. Paul Craig – Middleweight Bout Bo Nickal continued his meteoric rise with a dominant unanimous decision win over Paul Craig. The NCAA wrestling phenom showcased his grappling superiority, keeping Craig on his back for most of the fight while landing ground-and-pound strikes. Nickal’s takedowns were unstoppable, and his ability to transition between positions showcased his evolution as an MMA fighter. While Craig threatened with submission attempts, Nickal’s composure and positional awareness ensured a one-sided victory. Viviane Araujo vs. Taila Santos – Flyweight Bout In a closely contested flyweight bout, Viviane Araujo edged out Taila Santos via decision. Both fighters exchanged heavy strikes, with Araujo’s speed and precision making the difference. Araujo’s use of feints and counter-striking allowed her to capitalize on Santos’ aggressive entries. The fight showcased the depth of talent in the women’s flyweight division. Ruffy vs. Llontop – Catchweight Bout Ruffy claimed victory in a thrilling catchweight bout against Llontop, showcasing dynamic striking and relentless pressure. The fight featured spinning kicks, flying knees, and a high pace that had the crowd on their feet. Preliminary Card Highlights Notable Performances: McGhee : Opened the night with a gritty decision win. Jim Miller : Secured a first-round guillotine choke submission, adding to his storied UFC resume. David Onama : Dominated his opponent with crisp striking to earn a TKO victory. Marcin Tybura : Won via doctor stoppage due to a gruesome cut sustained by his opponent. Ramiz Brahimaj : Delivered a highlight-reel KO with a perfectly timed right hook. Tim Elliott : Showcased his unorthodox striking, finishing with a devastating overhand right. Maria Moura : Closed the prelims with a unanimous decision victory, displaying excellent fight IQ and endurance. Fight Trends and Emerging Prospects UFC 309 saw a mix of striking and grappling dominance, with fighters like Jon Jones and Charles Oliveira showcasing the importance of well-rounded skills. Submission specialists like Jim Miller reminded fans of the timeless effectiveness of grappling, while knockout artists like Brahimaj delivered unforgettable finishes. Standout Fighters Jon Jones : Proved why he is considered the GOAT. Bo Nickal : Continues to establish himself as a future title contender. Viviane Araujo : Demonstrated her place among the elite in the flyweight division. The Impact of UFC 309 on the MMA Landscape UFC 309 will be remembered as a milestone event that reinforced the unpredictability and excitement of MMA. Jon Jones’ win adds another chapter to his legendary career, while fighters like Oliveira and Nickal continue to shape the future of their divisions.

UFC FIGHT NIGHT: YAN vs FIGUEIREDO will be proudly hosted by Galaxy Macau, Asia's premier integrated resort and casino, on November 23. The event is scheduled to occur at Macau's largest indoor venue, the newly opened Galaxy Arena at Galaxy Macau. Former UFC bantamweight champion and No. 3 ranked contender Petr Yan is set to compete against former UFC flyweight champion and No. 5 ranked bantamweight Deiveson Figueiredo. In the co-main event, former UFC women's strawweight title challenger and No. 2 ranked Yan Xiaonan continues her pursuit of the championship by facing the rising talent and No. 9 ranked Tabatha Ricci. UFC Macau will be broadcast at a special time on ESPN+ Here are the Weigh-In Results | UFC Macau Prelims - 12 AM PT / 3 AM ET Main Card - 3 AM PT / 6 AM ET The main event is set for five rounds, while all other fights are planned for three rounds. UFC Fight Night: Yan vs Figueiredo Official Weigh-In Results: MAIN CARD Main Event - Bantamweight Bout: Petr Yan (135.5) vs Deiveson Figueiredo (135)   Co-Main Event - Women’s Strawweight Bout: Yan Xiaonan (116) vs Tabatha Ricci (115.5) Welterweight Bout: Song Kenan (171) vs Muslim Salikhov (170.5)  Women’s Flyweight Bout: Wang Cong (126) vs Gabriella Fernandes (126) Light Heavyweight Bout: Volkan Oezdemir (206) vs Carlos Ulberg (205.5)  Light Heavyweight Bout: Zhang Mingyang (205) vs Ozzy Diaz (205)   PRELIMS Bantamweight RTU Tournament Final: Baergeng Jieleyisi (135) vs SuYoung You (135.5)   Flyweight RTU Tournament Final: Kiru Sahota (126) vs DongHun Choi (125.5)   Women’s Strawweight RTU Tournament Final: Shi Ming (115.5) vs Feng Xiaocan (115)  Flyweight Bout: Nyamjargal Tumendemberel (125.5) vs Carlos Hernandez (125.5)   Flyweight Bout: Lone’er Kavanagh (126) vs Jose Ochoa (125)  Bantamweight Bout: Xiao Long (135) vs Quang Le (136)      Lightweight Bout: Maheshate (155.5) vs Nikolas Motta (155)

Get ready for an electrifying night of MMA action as BRAVE CF 90 takes center stage in Vienna, Austria, on Saturday, November 23, 2024. With a stacked fight card featuring top-tier talent and thrilling matchups, this event promises to deliver unforgettable moments. The action kicks off at 7:45 AM Pacific | 10:45 AM Eastern Time, and the best part? You can catch BRAVE CF 90 live stream absolutely FREE on the Black Belt Magazine website! All pre-fight rituals have been completed ahead of BRAVE Combat Federation’s historic debut in Austria with BRAVE CF 90 as fighters faced off on Friday, giving fans a glimpse of what is in store for Saturday night. The staredown between Recep Gültekin and Rafael Tupy stole the show, as Tupy came dressed as Santa Claus and greeted his opponent with gifts. After exchanging pleasantries, the intensity quickly escalated, signalling to fans that there will be no fun and games when the cage doors close at BRAVE CF 90. Elsewhere, respect was the theme during the other staredowns. Ahead of their Light Heavyweight main event clash, Rasul Magomedov and Łukasz Olech displayed mutual respect, despite Olech missing weight. A similar dynamic unfolded during the co-main event face-off between Magomed-Emin Dadaev and Davlet Karataev. Earlier on Friday, fighters stepped on the scales for the official weigh-ins where Łukasz Olech and Kinga Jendrasik missed weight, while Youssef Boughanem weighed in after the designated time. Despite these minor hiccups, the fight card remains intact, promising a historic night of action for MMA fans worldwide. For the main event, undefeated Bahraini superstar Rasul Magomedov weighed in at 93.05kg, well within the 93.44kg Light Heavyweight limit. However, his opponent, Łukasz Olech, missed weight on both attempts, weighing 94.30kg initially and 93.70kg on his second attempt. Magomed-Emin Dadaev and Davlet Karataev showed professionalism ahead of their co-main event clash on Saturday night by successfully making weight on their first attempts at 70.30kg each. For the Heavyweight bout, Boxing star Agron Smakici tipped the scales at 108.95kg, while his opponent, Robert Maruszak, came in at 119.75kg, comfortably within the 120.66kg limit. Striking legend Youssef Boughanem weighed in at 71.80kg for his 72kg Catchweight bout, although he stepped on the scale after the official weigh-in time. His opponent, Johan Van de Hel, made weight at 71.85kg on his second attempt after initially coming in at 72.05kg. Elsewhere, Kinga Jendrasik missed the Strawweight limit of 52.61kg, weighing in at 53.65kg. Her opponent and former IMMAF Medallist Songül Karatorak, successfully made weight at 52.40kg for her professional MMA debut. All other fighters on the card made weight for their bouts, with only Abubaker Soltabiev and Abdulmalik Aliev requiring second weigh-in attempts. BRAVE CF 90 Weigh in Results Light Heavyweight: Rasul Magomedov (93.05kg) vs.  Łukasz Olech (93.70kg)* Lightweight: Magomed-Emin Dadaev (70.30kg) vs. Davlet Karataev (70.30kg) Heavyweight: Agron Smakici (108.95kg) vs. Robert Maruszak (119.75kg) Catchweight (72 KG):  Youssef Boughanem (71.80kg)**  vs. Johan Van de Hel (71.85kg) Lightweight: Abubaker Soltabiev (70.75kg) vs. Zabiullah Mubarez (70.65kg) Strawweight: Songül Karatorak (52.40kg) vs.  Kinga Jendrasik (53.65kg)* Super Lightweight: Recep Gültekin (75.05kg) vs. Rafael Tupy (74.60kg) Flyweight: Narges Mohseni (56.70kg) vs. Dominika Steczkowska (57.00kg) Lightweight: Abdulmalik Aliev (70.75kg) vs. Anatoliy Adzhamyan (70.25kg) Light Heavyweight: Emir Can (94.15kg) vs. Mihalache Sorin (94.30kg) *Missed weight for the fight **Weighed in After the Weigh-in Time Limit

BRAVE Combat Federation, is set to return to Bahrain on December 13 with BRAVE CF 91 , headlined by a thrilling Bantamweight World Title showdown. Reigning champion Nkosi Ndebele  will put his belt on the line against Zimbabwe’s rising star Nicholas Hwende  in what promises to be a high-stakes battle. This marks Ndebele’s second title defense after his spectacular victory over Jose Torres in the main event of BRAVE CF 82 earlier this year in Mauritius. As the first fully homegrown BRAVE CF champion, Ndebele has carved a legendary path within the organization, climbing the ranks through the visionary BRAVE CF-IMMAF amateur system. With his trilogy against Torres now etched in history, Ndebele is focused on cementing his dominance in the division. Challenger Nicholas Hwende enters this fight with undeniable momentum, riding a two-fight win streak. After a stellar performance in the co-main event of BRAVE CF 82 , where he outclassed Khurshed Nazarov via unanimous decision, Hwende demanded an All-African title fight—a request now realized in this headline bout. The co-main event  adds to the excitement, featuring Arab MMA icon Hamza Kooheji  taking on Turkey’s Alperen Karabulut . Kooheji, back after a two-year hiatus due to injury, made a triumphant return with a first-round TKO victory on the regional circuit. Fighting on home soil, he aims to continue his resurgence against Karabulut, a top-ranked Kickboxer, Muay Thai champion, and seasoned MMA fighter with over 100 combat sports victories. Adding to the grandeur, BRAVE CF 91 is part of the sixth edition of BRAVE International Combat Week , which includes BRAVE CF 92  and the IMMAF Youth Asian Championships . This marks the 11th event of BRAVE CF’s record-breaking 2024 calendar and follows its historic debut in Austria with BRAVE CF 90 . Don’t miss this action-packed return to Bahrain!

The Street Fighter  franchise isn't just a treasure trove of nostalgic combos and Hadoukens—it’s a celebration of martial arts from across the globe. Truly, each character represents a unique fighting style, blending authenticity with exaggerated flair, making the series as diverse as it is iconic. Let’s break down some of the standout martial arts represented in Street Fighter : Karate Ryu and Ken are the poster boys of Shotokan Karate—or at least, the Capcom version of it. Their style emphasizes powerful, disciplined strikes and devastating special moves like the Shoryuken and Tatsumaki Senpukyaku. While not entirely traditional, their techniques are inspired by the real-world principles of karate. Muay Thai Sagat, the towering Muay Thai master, is the embodiment of Thailand’s national martial art. With his bone-crushing knee strikes and high kicks, Sagat’s fighting style mirrors the “Art of Eight Limbs,” which uses fists, elbows, knees, and shins in a devastatingly effective arsenal. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) Laura Matsuda brings the grappling-focused art of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu to the Street Fighter  roster. Her throws, joint locks, and ground maneuvers reflect the real-world effectiveness of BJJ, adapted here for an electrifying twist. Chinese Martial Arts Several characters showcase variations of Chinese martial arts. Chun-Li’s lightning-fast strikes are rooted in Wushu, blending graceful acrobatics with powerful poses. Gen, on the other hand, is shown as a practitioner of multiple disciplines, including a Crane and Mantis style as passed down from a master who tested the skills in the Boxer Rebellion. Wrestling Zangief, the hulking Russian wrestler, personifies professional wrestling with a focus on grappling and brute strength. His Spinning Piledriver is as iconic as it is improbable, adding a dramatic flair to his ring-inspired combat. Capoeira Elena bring the acrobatic, dance-like style of Capoeira into the fray. Her usage of the Afro-Brazilian martial art emphasizes fluid movements, spins, and kicks, blending artistry with combat effectiveness. Unique Hybrids Characters like Akuma and Cammy push the boundaries by blending traditional martial arts with fictional elements. Akuma's Ansatsuken is a lethal twist on Karate, while Cammy’s fighting style fuses grappling with high-speed strikes. The beauty of Street Fighter  lies in its ability to weave real martial arts into its fantasy world. Whether you’re a martial artist or a gamer, there’s no denying the impact these styles have had on shaping the game’s legacy and also the games impact on the world in general. So, next time you execute a flawless combo, take a moment to appreciate the real-world inspiration behind the pixelated punches!

Since joining the UFC in 2021, Tabatha Ricci has steadily climbed the UFC ranks. With an 8-2 record in the Octagon, she’s made her presence known in the competitive 115-pound division. 2024 has been particularly fruitful for Ricci, with back-to-back wins over veterans Tecia Pennington and Angela Hill. Those victories have bolstered her confidence, preparing her for what she describes as her “biggest challenge yet” against Xiaonan. “I think fighting those last two fights proved to myself that I’m ready for big challenges like this,” Ricci said. “Fighting someone like Yan, who just fought for the belt, makes me more confident.” Yan Xiaonan comes into this bout looking to rebound after a unanimous decision loss to reigning champion Zhang Weili at UFC 300. A proven striker with a dangerous right hand, Xiaonan’s experience and skill will be a significant hurdle for Ricci. Ricci, however, believes her grappling will be the difference-maker. Drawing from a past training session with Xiaonan at Team Alpha Male, Ricci noted, “She’s very disciplined and strong. She has a very good standup game and a powerful right hand, but I’ve been studying her fights. I think she’s still learning grappling and jiu-jitsu, which is what I do best. That will be my path to victory.” The Brazilian is unfazed by the fact that Xiaonan will have the home crowd on her side. Instead, Ricci sees it as an opportunity to shine. “I like to be the underdog,” she said. “Fighting here in her place actually pushes me more. Champs are made for those opportunities, so I’m very excited.” Currently ranked No. 10 in the division, Ricci understands the magnitude of this fight. Defeating the No. 2 contender, especially on foreign soil, would solidify her case for a title shot. With Zhang Weili yet to book her next opponent, the timing couldn’t be better for Ricci to enter the championship conversation. “I want the title shot. That’s what I want,” Ricci declared. “Beating Yan will prove to everybody that I’m ready.” UFC Macau is set to deliver a historic night as the promotion returns to China for the first time since 2019. With a card stacked with top-tier talent, including the main event showdown between Deiveson Figueiredo and Petr Yan, the co-main event promises to be a defining moment for both Ricci and Xiaonan. Catch all the action live from the Galaxy Arena in Macau, China, this Saturday, November 23, 2024. Prelims begin at 3am ET/12am PT, with the main card kicking off on ESPN+ at 6am ET/3am PT. Will "Baby Shark" rise to the occasion and make waves in the strawweight division? Don’t miss it!

This Saturday, the Galaxy Arena in Macau is set to erupt as China's own Yan Xiaonan returns to the Octagon to take on rising Brazilian star Tabatha Ricci in the co-main event of UFC Macau: Yan vs. Figueiredo. After a tough loss to Zhang Weili at UFC 300, Yan is ready to bounce back in front of her home crowd, aiming to reignite her journey toward UFC strawweight gold. Homecoming to China: A Career Milestone For the 35-year-old Shenyang native, fighting on home soil is more than just a professional obligation—it’s an emotional and energizing experience. This will be Yan's third fight in China, and memories of her victorious outings in Shanghai (2017) and Beijing (2018) still fuel her fire. "I’m very excited and happy because it’s been many years since I last fought in my home country,” Yan shared in a recent interview. “I can still feel the adrenaline rush from those moments.” Yan's return is not just a treat for fans but a testament to her resilience. Facing the pressures of performing in front of friends, family, and a roaring Chinese crowd, Yan has embraced the challenge, channeling it into motivation for Saturday night. Learning from the Best: The Zhang Weili Title Fight Yan’s title fight against Zhang Weili at UFC 300 was undoubtedly the biggest stage of her career. Although she came up short with a unanimous decision loss, the experience was invaluable. "I think my performance was okay, and I learned a lot from the title shot experience," Yan said. "Next time, I will correct my mistakes and get more ready for the next title run." With back-to-back wins over Mackenzie Dern and Jessica Andrade before the Zhang fight, Yan showcased her ability to handle elite competition. Now, she’s focused on regaining her momentum with a win over Ricci. Facing Tabatha Ricci: A Clash of Styles Tabatha "Baby Shark" Ricci is no walk in the park. Known for her relentless forward pressure and sharp judo skills, Ricci is riding a wave of momentum into this fight. However, Yan is confident in her preparation. "She’s good at moving forward and giving pressure, but my team and I have a strategy,” Yan revealed. “If we play it right, we’ll take the victory.” Fans can expect an electrifying clash, as Yan’s striking-heavy style meets Ricci’s grappling-based game. Yan’s ability to push the pace and finish fights has been her calling card, and she’s ready to deliver another signature performance. The Perfect Camp and Team Alpha Male Support Yan has spent years training at Team Alpha Male in Sacramento, California, honing her skills with some of the best coaches and fighters in the game. For this camp, she balanced her training between California and the UFC Performance Institute in Shanghai, ensuring she’s at peak condition for fight night. “This was a perfect training camp,” Yan said. “Team Alpha Male has been great for my growth, and coming to China for final preparations was amazing. It feels good to be back.” Catch all the action live from Galaxy Arena in Macau, China, this Saturday, November 23, 2024. Prelims start at 3am ET/12am PT, with the main card kicking off at 6am ET/3am PT, streaming exclusively on ESPN+. Witness Yan Xiaonan’s homecoming and a night of unforgettable fights!

Muhammad Mokaev is back in BRAVE Combat Federation, and the Flyweight phenom has become the hottest target on the roster, with multiple fighters eager to take him on. Former Bantamweight champion Jose "Shorty" Torres has hinted at a return to Flyweight, calling a clash with Mokaev “logical” on Instagram. Meanwhile, Bidzina Gavashelishvili, riding high on a two-fight win streak, has his eyes set on welcoming Mokaev back after his stellar performance at BRAVE CF 84. Brazilian rising star Marciano Ferreira, undefeated since 2022 and fresh off a first-round finish at BRAVE CF 78, is lobbying for a matchup with Mokaev, alongside Irish standout Gerard Burns, who is on a four-fight tear with two recent stoppages. The Flyweight division's depth adds even more intrigue, featuring Combat Sambo Champion Velimurad Alkhasov, Brazilian ace Flavio de Queiroz, African Judo medalist Luthando Biko, and Russian veteran Ali Bagautinov. Even newcomer Alperen Karabulut has joined the fray, posting custom fight posters to challenge Mokaev. All eyes are on BRAVE CF 91, scheduled for December 13 in Bahrain during the BRAVE International Combat Week, to see who gets the first crack at the returning Mokaev. With BRAVE CF 92 and the IMMAF Youth Asian Championships also on deck, the stakes couldn’t be higher for the Flyweight division’s future.

The stage is set, and all eyes are on Jonathan Di Bella as he gears up to reignite his journey back to championship glory at ONE Fight Night 26 on Friday, December 6. The Italian-Canadian superstar is poised to face Rui Botelho in a high-stakes bout that could catapult him closer to reclaiming his throne as the ONE Strawweight Kickboxing World Champion. From Champion to Challenger: Di Bella’s Burning Desire Di Bella, who lost his title in a razor-thin decision against Prajanchai PK Saenchai at ONE Friday Fights 68, isn’t dwelling on the past. Instead, his focus has crystalized into one unwavering mission: to reclaim the gold. “My goal is to get my belt back – for sure, 100 percent,” Di Bella declared with fierce determination. “That’s my main goal.” For Di Bella, excuses are out the window. The loss, though heartbreaking, has only fueled his fire to regain what he once proudly held. “I just want to get the belt back. I love being champion, and yeah, I just want to be champion again.” The Ultimate Test: Rui Botelho Stands in His Way Before Di Bella can even think about another title shot, he must conquer a formidable foe in Rui Botelho. The Portuguese striker has made a name for himself as a giant-slayer, pulling off shocking victories against Zhang Peimian and Thongpoon PK Saenchai. With his unorthodox style and explosive offense, Botelho is anything but an easy opponent. “[Botelho is a] very unorthodox fighter. I think he has a lot of power, a lot of speed, a lot of timing. He’s very tricky,” Di Bella admitted. “But I’ll adapt. Whatever I have to do to win, I’ll do.” Knockout or Decision? Di Bella’s Strategy Unveiled While every striker dreams of landing the perfect knockout, Di Bella’s mindset for December 6 is simple: victory at any cost. “I believe I gotta get a win. Don’t look for any knockouts. Just go out there and perform, focus on Rui,” he said. The former champ is prepared to go the distance if necessary, adapting to whatever style Botelho brings to the table. “Maybe win by decision, win by knockout… I just play to win.” The Countdown to Redemption As the clock ticks down to ONE Fight Night 26, fans worldwide are buzzing with anticipation. Will Di Bella overcome the dangerous Botelho and take a giant leap toward reclaiming his title? Or will Botelho cement his reputation as the division’s ultimate disruptor? Tune in live and free on Prime Video at 8 p.m. EST/5 p.m. PST on Friday, December 6, to witness Jonathan Di Bella’s thrilling quest for redemption. Don’t blink—history could be made in an instant!

The January 2005 issue of Black Belt Magazine  spotlighted Mike Chat, the electrifying martial artist who dominated the '90s with his high-energy form performances. Known as the father of XMA (Extreme Martial Arts), Mike also lit up screens in iconic roles like the Wizard on WMAC Masters  and the Blue Ranger in Power Rangers . Learn more about this cover and the entire magazine preserved in digital format: https://www.blackbeltmag.com

Zimbabwean MMA sensation Nicholas Hwende has his sights locked on one of the sport’s most coveted prizes: the BRAVE CF Bantamweight World Championship. After a string of jaw-dropping performances, Hwende isn’t just knocking on the door—he’s demanding it be opened, declaring himself the rightful number-one contender to Nkosi Ndebele's world title. "I did enough to secure this spot," Hwende stated confidently. "From my debut at BRAVE CF 71 until my last fight, no one in the division has done more than I did to earn the challenger position. It is my time!" Since signing with BRAVE CF, Hwende has electrified fans with three unforgettable fights, cementing his reputation as a dominant force in the bantamweight division. Already a champion on African soil, Hwende’s hunger for global supremacy is undeniable, and he’s determined to etch his name in history as one of the continent’s greatest MMA stars. Standing in his path, however, is none other than Nkosi Ndebele, a champion whose legacy looms large over African MMA. Ndebele has been a trailblazer in the BRAVE CF promotion, facing international competition from the start of his career. While many opt to build their resumes locally, Ndebele’s fearless pursuit of greatness on the global stage has made him a true icon of the sport. Yet, as Hwende points out, even legends can be challenged. "Of course, I know that this means I will have to fight another African brother, Nkosi Ndebele," Hwende acknowledged. "But I'll do whatever it takes. I can't wait to fight him!" The potential clash between these two African powerhouses promises to be historic—not just for BRAVE CF but for the growth of MMA across the continent. Both fighters have become flag-bearers for African talent on the world stage, and their matchup could redefine the future of African MMA. While fans eagerly await the official announcement, one thing is certain: if Hwende vs. Ndebele becomes a reality, it will be a fight for the ages—one that puts African MMA front and center on the global map. Stay tuned for what could be the most electrifying showdown in BRAVE CF history!

BRAVE Combat Federation - BRAVE CF is gearing up for a monumental return to Slovenia in 2025, announcing two unmissable events  on June 7  and November 22  at the iconic Hala Tivoli in Ljubljana. In partnership with regional powerhouse WFC, these events promise to take MMA in Slovenia to unparalleled heights. Building on their successful collaboration, BRAVE CF and WFC have transformed MMA into a national phenomenon in Slovenia , turning the country into a European MMA hotspot  over the past four years. BRAVE CF’s journey in Slovenia began with a bang in 2020 at BRAVE CF 34 , where global stars like Benoit St. Denis, Phil Hawes, and Slovenian favorites Luka Podkrajšek and Monika Kučinic shined. In 2023, BRAVE CF 70  solidified its impact by spotlighting rising stars like Erko Jun and Pavel Dailidko. 2024 took things up a notch with two sold-out events , BRAVE CF 81  and the groundbreaking BRAVE CF 88 , where Slovenia witnessed history as Erko Jun became Light Heavyweight champion and Pavel Dailidko claimed the inaugural Heavyweight title. With two blockbuster events in 2025 , BRAVE CF is set to cement Slovenia’s status as a premier destination for European MMA . Get ready for a year of epic fights, packed arenas, and global superstars returning to Slovenia!