Arab MMA stars getting ready for the BRAVE CF event in Dubai

03 March 2024

Over the past seven and a half years, BRAVE Combat Federation has played a pivotal role in shaping the landscape of mixed martial arts (MMA) in the Middle East. Now, the organization is poised to embark on its next chapter with a triumphant return to the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Anticipation is building as BRAVE CF prepares to host its inaugural event in Dubai during the last quarter of 2024, sparking excitement within the fighter community across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.

Among those eagerly awaiting the opportunity to compete on the historic Dubai card is former double world champion Mohammad Fakhreddine. Dubbed as 'The Latest', Fakhreddine is eyeing a remarkable third world title, setting his sights on Super Welterweight titleholder Kamal Magomedov. With the announcement of BRAVE CF Dubai, Fakhreddine has adjusted his plans, aiming to secure a victory over Kamal earlier in the year and then defend his 175-pound world title in the UAE.

"The UAE is very special for me," expressed Fakhreddine. "To compete on the first BRAVE CF card in Dubai would be icing on the cake. I made my debut for BRAVE CF in Abu Dhabi, so to return as a world champion and defend my third title in Dubai would be a huge honor."

Fakhreddine's sentiments are echoed by other athletes, including Ahmed Labban, who is eager to bounce back from a recent setback and is eyeing a fight in Croatia before making his way to Dubai later in the year. Training in Zagreb, Labban sees the opportunity to feature on both the Croatia and Dubai cards as ideal for his career progression.

Meanwhile, Jordan's Izzedine Al-Derbani, also known as 'The Palestinian Samurai', is eager for his next challenge. While waiting until November might not align with his timeline, Al-Derbani is keen for his next bout to coincide with a potential return to action in Dubai.

Similarly, Bahraini fighters are strategizing their plans, considering their commitments to a significant fight night in December on home soil. For them, timing is crucial to ensure participation in the Dubai card aligns with their schedules.

Mahmoud Sebie of Egypt, currently focused on securing a spot in the USA Wrestling team for the Paris Olympics, sees the Dubai card as a fitting opportunity to transition back to MMA following the conclusion of the wrestling tournament in August.

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As excitement mounts for BRAVE CF's return to the UAE, fighters across the MENA region are gearing up for what promises to be a momentous event in Dubai's burgeoning MMA scene.