Four-way battle emerges for the Brave featherweight #1 contender spot

Brave Combat Federation crowned Bubba Jenkins as the new featherweight champion at Brave 16 hosted in Abu Dhabi, UAE. The 2011 NCAA Division 1 champion outwrestled Elias Boudegzdame from Algeria for all five rounds. Jenkins became the first American crowned a champion in Brave, and it was all the more unanimous as a point was deducted from Elias due to the illegal strikes. The future of the division is intense as Jenkins prepares for his first title defense. The race to become the future featherweight title contender is in progress and Brave Combat Federation has some of the best prospects in the world for the division.

Jeremy Kennedy from Canada made a splash in the division with a Round 1 KO victory over Daniel Pilo in the co-main event of Brave 14 hosted in Tangier, Morocco. Kennedy was returning to fight after his first professional loss in 11 fights. The win showcased the tenacity of the Canadian featherweight, and in the post-fight interview Kennedy revealed that his aim is set on Brave gold.

Meanwhile training out of KHK MMA Gym in Bahrain is Marat Magomedov, who has steamrolled his way into the featherweight division with a record of 10-1-1. The fighter from Dagestan, Russia made his promotional debut at Brave 12 and would have been an ideal choice to welcome Jeremy Kennedy to Brave Combat Federation. However Magomedov went on to face Luke Adams to showcase his Sambo dominance in a bout that lasted three rounds which he won by unanimous decision. Guided by lightweight veteran and head coach of Bahrain National MMA team, Eldar Eldarov, Marat may be the best-kept secret in the MMA world.

Adding to the contender equation is the current interim lightweight champion, Lucas Martins who is returning to his original featherweight class. Martins had been a previous title contender who missed the opportunity when he was unable to make weight to face Elias Boudedgzdame at Brave 9: The Kingdom of Champions hosted in Bahrain. And the former champion, Elias Boudegzdame has staked a claim for a rematch by alleging a foul decision by the referee had cost him the opportunity to retain the title. Elias, the longest reigning champion in the promotion, who had submitted two ex-UFC stars and an ex-KSW prospect in his past four fights, has the credibility and skills to rebound.

With multiple permutations in place, the division is eagerly awaiting the upcoming fights that will define the future of the featherweight division.

Brave Combat Federation has announced five events for the rest of 2018 with Brave 17 taking place on 27th October in Lahore, Pakistan followed by Brave 18 which will take place on 16th November in Bahrain and three more events in South Africa, Saudi Arabia, and India respectively.