Tempers flare at Brave 14’s historic ceremonial weigh-ins
Sidney Wheeler got into Abdoul Abdouraguimov’s face; bothered by the American’s antics, Abdouraguimov pushed him, and a member of his corner threw what the American termed a “cheerleader kick” in response to a single finger salute.
Thousands of Moroccan fans gathered at the Tanja Marina Bay, for the Brave 14 weigh-in ceremony. The fight fans were welcomed by their local hero Ottman Azaitar, who takes on Danijel Kokora in the main event of the fight card, set for The Omnisports Indoor Club, in Tangier, tomorrow, August 18th. However, Welterweights Brave 14, Sidney Wheeler and Abdoul Abdouraguimov stole the show.
Even though he didn’t make weight, coming in at a heavy 78.1 kg, Wheeler stared Abdoul down, getting into his opponent’s face. Bothered by the American’s antics, Abdouraguimov pushed him, and things could have gotten worse if it wasn’t for Brave president Mohammed Shahid separating both fighters.
(13:01 mark)
Coming in under the 77 kg limit at 72.8 kg, Ottman Azaitar made the time to take pictures with his loyal fans, showing himself to be a great ambassador for the sport and a sure choice for the main event in Brave’s first-ever trip to Africa. He stared down his opponent Kokora and anticipated a great show for fight fans around the world.
The other tense staredown happened between bantamweights Felipe Efrain and Arnold Quero. Even though they shook hands before they faced off, both men refused to look away and were separated by Shahid, with the support of other Brave officials.
Brave 14 marks the first time a global MMA promotion will hold a fight card in Africa. The event will be broadcast worldwide through Combate (Brazil), FloCombat (USA), FiteTV (USA, Canada, Australia, UK), StarSat (Africa), Vodacom (South Africa), AD Sports (Middle East & North Africa) and B1B (Bulgaria). Other locations can watch the groundbreaking show on Brave TV at http://www.bravefights.com/brave-tv.
Brave 14 weigh-in results
Welterweight: Ottman Azaitar (72.8 kg) x Danijel Kokora (72.8 kg)
Featherweight: Jeremy Kennedy (66 kg) x Danyel Pilò (66.2 kg)
Welterweight: Sidney Wheeler (78.1 kg)* x Abdoul Abdouraguimov (77.5 kg)
Bantamweight: Felipe Efrain (61.4 kg) x Arnold Quero (61.7 kg)
Flyweight: Velimurad Alkhasov (57 kg) x Sean Santella (57 kg)
Catchweight: Ikram Aliskerov (85.9 kg) x Joey Michael Berkenbosch (85.7 kg)
Bantamweight: Keith Lee (61.7 kg) x Jeremy Pacatiw (61.7 kg)
Catchweight: Artur Guseinov (85.1 kg) x Tarek Suleiman (85.1 kg)
Lightweight: Djamil Chan (70.7 kg) x Alejandro “Pato” Martínez (70.5 kg)
*Didn’t make weight, will be fined 20% of purse