BRAVE CF 98 Weigh-In Completed Ahead of Historic MMA Event in Zhengzhou

BRAVE Combat Federation™ (BRAVE CF), recognized as the fastest-growing global mixed martial arts organization, has finalized the weigh-in results for its upcoming event, BRAVE CF 98. The event is set to broadcast live from Henan TV Studio 8 in Zhengzhou, China, on Friday, September 19.

Every scheduled bout has been approved to proceed, highlighted by the highly anticipated interim featherweight title rematch between Ukraine’s top contender Omar Solomanov and Kazakhstan’s Rauan “Shymyr” Bekbolat. The victor will earn the opportunity to challenge reigning champion Nemat “Eagle” Abdrashitov of Kyrgyzstan for the unified championship.

Solomanov and Bekbolat previously clashed at BRAVE CF 85 in August 2024, where Bekbolat stunned fans by forcing a third-round submission via guillotine choke. Their renewed rivalry in Zhengzhou carries heightened stakes with the interim title on the line.

This event marks a historic milestone as BRAVE CF will, for the first time, crown a world champion on Chinese soil. This constitutes the promotion’s third visit to the country.

In the co-main event, hometown fighter "The Stalker" Xie Bin is set to make his promotional debut against former BRAVE CF Bantamweight World Champion Nicholas Hwende of Zimbabwe, competing in a critical featherweight matchup.

The main card will also showcase the return of highly ranked super lightweight contender Khamzat Maaev, an emerging talent drawing comparisons to global star Khamzat Chimaev. Additionally, Indian prospect Owais Yaqoob will make history as the first mixed martial artist from Kashmir to compete under a major international promotion. Veteran Indian fighter Kantharaj Agasa will also return to BRAVE CF action after nearly six years.

The weigh-in ceremony generated significant excitement, especially during face-offs. While most staredowns were respectful, tensions escalated notably when Iran’s Mojtaba “The Soldier Panther” Nasir locked eyes with Chinese competitor Zeqiuduoji. The charged moment elicited enthusiastic reactions from spectators, setting the tone for a dramatic showdown.

BRAVE CF 98 promises a night of elite MMA competition and further solidifies the organization’s commitment to fostering a truly global stage for martial arts athletes.

Official Weigh-In Results:

• BRAVE CF Interim Featherweight World Championship (65.8 KG / 145 LBS): Omar Solomanov (64.45 KG) vs. Rauan Bekbolat (65.8 KG)
• Featherweight (65.8 KG / 145 LBS*): Xie Bin (66.1 KG) vs. Nicholas Hwende (66.05 KG)
• Super Lightweight (74.8 KG / 165 LBS*): Khamzat Maaev (74.9 KG) vs. Ferhad Ehmedov (74.35 KG)
• Lightweight (70.3 KG / 155 LBS*): Ian Paul Lora (70.45 KG) vs. Owais Yaqoob (70.6 KG)
• Catchweight (59 KG / 130 LBS): Jiniushiyue (59 KG) vs. Luthando Biko (58.85 KG)
• Bantamweight (61.2 KG / 135 LBS*): Ti Haitao (61.5 KG) vs. Kantharaj Agasa (61.0 KG)
• Featherweight (65.8 KG / 145 LBS*): Kalinu Kadelibieke (66.05 KG) vs. Turbayar Khurelbaatar (66.0 KG)
• Featherweight (65.8 KG / 145 LBS*): Zeqiuduoji (66.15 KG) vs. Mojtaba Nasiri (65.85 KG)
• Featherweight (65.8 KG / 145 LBS*): Zhao Yikun (66.1 KG) vs. Ahmed Tarek (66.15 KG)

*Fighters were permitted a one-pound allowance in these bouts.

BRAVE Combat Federation, established in 2016, continues to expand its influence globally by hosting events across 36 countries and supporting a diverse roster of over 900 fighters from 90-plus nations. The organization aims to elevate MMA into a comprehensive sports ecosystem with aspirations for Olympic recognition.

For more information, visit BRAVE CF’s official website or follow their social media platforms.