BRAVE Combat Federation marked a historic milestone on Friday night as the promotion hosted its landmark BRAVE CF 100 event at Khalifa Sports City in Isa Town, Bahrain. Among the standout moments of the centennial card was India’s Aarti Khatri, who delivered a flawless first-round submission victory to cement her place as one of the rising female fighters in global MMA.
Competing in a women’s catchweight (54 kg) bout, Aarti needed just 2 minutes and 26 seconds to force Tajikistan’s Arofat Toirova to tap via armbar. It was a composed, clinical performance—one that showcased the submission expertise that has defined much of Aarti’s career.
The victory also marked an important moment in her return to form. Earlier this year, Aarti suffered the first setback of her professional journey in a unanimous decision loss to Japanese star Itsuki Hirata at ONE Friday Fights 120. But the Indian athlete arrived in Bahrain with a renewed purpose, looking more like the fighter who burst onto the scene with a string of finishes in Hero Pro Fight Night.
Before signing with BRAVE CF, Aarti built her reputation as a dangerous finisher. She earned highlight-reel victories with a mix of armbars, rear-naked chokes, and ground-and-pound stoppages—dating back to her early days at Matrix Fight Night and Hosharafu FC. Friday night’s result was a reminder of that fighter: the confident grappler who wastes no time once the fight hits the mat.
Inside a packed Khalifa Sports City, Aarti executed a seamless transition on the ground, isolating Toirova’s arm and forcing the tap. The win energized Indian MMA supporters watching around the world, and it added to the electric atmosphere of BRAVE CF’s milestone night.
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