De Abreu to Canadian: Brave belt stays in Brazil

Klidson de Abreu warns rival Matt Baker ahead of Brave 11: ‘The title stays in Brazil’

Brave light heavyweight champion Klidson de Abreu will become the second titleholder to defend his title when he meets Matt Baker in the co-main event of Brave 11, on April 13th, in Belo Horizonte. And the champ sent a message to his Canadian rival ahead of their bout.

Klidson was grateful for Baker stepping up after Kennedy Nzechukwu was forced to withdraw due to injury, but guaranteed that he’ll stay as a champion after Brave 11.

“I was worried after Nzechukwu dropped out because I’ve been training for a long time to defend my belt,” said Klidson. “I thank Matt Baker for stepping in, but I have to warn him: this belt stays in Brazil. I’m ready to fight and to defend my title. This is not just my title. This is Brazil’s title and this belt is for all my friends, family and supporters. It will be an honor to defend my title at home and you can be sure that I’ll stay as champ.”

The Evolucao Thai product became champion back at Brave 8, the last time Brave Combat Federation landed in Brazil. And Abreu is excited for the upcoming fight card, claiming Brave 11 will be the best-ever event for the organization.

“Man, this card is awesome! There are so many amazing fights and a lot of well-known names. I’m looking forward to watching all bouts, but I have to say I’m very curious to watch Bruno Malfacine”, said Abreu. “I used to watch him compete all the time in jiu-jitsu and the guy is a legend. I can’t wait for his Brave debut and I know he’ll be a hit for Brave Combat Federation.”

Brave 11 is set for Belo Horizonte, capital of Minas Gerais, and will mark the third promotional event in Brazil. Back in March of 2017, Brave 3: Battle in Brazil took place in Curitiba, with the city also hosting Brave 8: The Kingdom of Champions, when for the first time two Brave champions were crowned in the same night.

Brave 11 full fight card
Luan “Miau” Santiago vs. Lucas “Mineiro” Martins for the interim lightweight title
Klidson de Abreu (c) vs. Matt Baker for the light heavyweight title
Erivan Pereira vs. Gesias “JZ” Cavalcante
Bruno Malfacine vs. Rafael “Mini-Man” Pereira
Cleiton “Predador” Silva vs. Ahmed Amir
Carlos Souza vs. Georges Bardawill
Michiel Opperman vs. Bruno Assis
Marcel Adur vs. Fernando Lourenço
Marcos Conrado Jr. vs. Joaquim “Mamute” Ferreira
Alessandro Gambulino vs. Rodrigo Cavalheiro
Elaine “Pantera” Leal vs. Luana Pinheiro
Arnold Quero vs. Caio Gregório