BRAVE Combat Federation has announced that Serbian standout Borislav Nikolić has relinquished the BRAVE CF Bantamweight World Championship as he begins the next chapter of his career in the UFC.
Nikolić leaves the promotion after establishing himself as one of the most successful bantamweights in BRAVE CF history. Since joining the organization in 2021, the Serbian compiled a 6-2 record across eight appearances, defeating several top international contenders before capturing the bantamweight crown.
His championship-winning moment came at BRAVE CF 96 in June 2025, where he submitted Nicholas Hwende with a fourth-round ninja choke to become the BRAVE CF bantamweight champion.
Nikolić successfully defended the title five months later in the main event of BRAVE CF 100, stopping Bahrain's Hamza Kooheji via fourth-round technical knockout. He made his final appearance for the promotion at BRAVE CF 104 in February, earning another stoppage victory over Matheus Malta in a 64-kilogram catchweight bout.
BRAVE CF President Mohammed Shahid praised Nikolić's achievements and thanked him for his contributions to the organization.
"Borislav Nikolić's story is one that everyone at BRAVE Combat Federation is immensely proud of," Shahid said. "He embraced every challenge, became a world champion and represented our promotion with honor throughout his time here. We congratulate him on this opportunity and thank him for the unforgettable moments he created inside our cage."
Nikolić also reflected on his time with the promotion, crediting BRAVE CF for helping him reach the sport's biggest stage.
"My time with BRAVE Combat Federation has been nothing short of incredible," Nikolić said. "Winning the bantamweight world title is something I will always cherish, and I would not be in this position without the opportunities this organization gave me. I am thankful to everyone at BRAVE CF and the fans who supported me throughout the years."
With Nikolić vacating the title, the BRAVE CF bantamweight division enters a new era. The promotion has already announced that former champion Stephen Loman will return to face No. 2-ranked contender Lasha Abramishvili at BRAVE CF 108 on Sept. 5 in Croatia, with the bout expected to have major championship implications.
Nikolić becomes the latest BRAVE CF champion to make the move to the UFC, continuing the promotion's track record of developing athletes who go on to compete at the highest level of mixed martial arts.
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