BRAVE CF 82 showcases four IMMAF Champions

11 May 2024

Over the years, BRAVE Combat Federation, and the International Mixed Martial Arts Federation (IMMAF) have collaborated to cultivate a thriving MMA ecosystem.

Through this partnership, both organizations have expanded the sport at grassroots levels globally and established a successful amateur pathway. Athletes progressing through the IMMAF system seamlessly transition into the professional ranks, gaining global exposure through BRAVE Combat Federation.

More than 50 fighters from 20 nations have leveraged this innovative pathway. BRAVE CF 82, scheduled in Mauritius on May 11, will once again highlight the dividends of this amateur pathway in MMA.

Headlining BRAVE CF 82 are Jose ‘Shorty’ Torres and Nkosi Ndebele, both products of the IMMAF ranks. Torres, a two-time IMMAF world champion (2014 and 2015), was the first fighter to achieve two world gold medals under IMMAF. Ndebele, the 2017 IMMAF African Champion at Featherweight, now reigns as the BRAVE CF Bantamweight champion.

Considered one of the greatest amateur MMA fighters, Ramazan Gitinov, a three-time IMMAF World champion, will also compete at BRAVE CF 82. Gitinov excelled at various IMMAF championships before transitioning into professional MMA.

The event features success stories like Eliezer Kubanza, whose victory over Gitinov at the 2017 IMMAF African Championship propelled him to MMA prominence. Kubanza secured two African IMMAF titles before making waves in BRAVE CF in 2023.

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While these visible success stories inspire the world, the next generation of global MMA stars is emerging through the IMMAF events worldwide, particularly among African amateur fighters. Many will showcase their skills at the 2024 IMMAF African Championships in Namibia on May 27, aiming to follow in the footsteps of Kubanza and Ndebele.

BRAVE CF 82 takes place on May 11 in Mauritius, marking BRAVE Combat Federation's debut event in the nation and the fourth on the African continent. It is BRAVE CF's second event of 2024, following a successful outing in Slovenia for BRAVE CF 81.