BRAVE Combat Federation president Mohammad Shahid has revealed ambitious long-term plans for the growth of Indian MMA, including multiple major events, grassroots scouting programs, international opportunities for fighters, and a franchise-based MMA league structure that he believes could become the second biggest sports league in India after the IPL.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with LockerRoom India, Shahid discussed BRAVE CF’s renewed focus on India through its “BRAVE Bharat” initiative, while emphasizing the organization’s commitment to building the sport from the grassroots level rather than simply entering the market for commercial gains.
“India has one of the strongest MMA communities in the world,” Shahid said. “We are not here to take from India. We are here to build with India.”
BRAVE Combat Federation made history in 2017 by becoming the first international MMA organization to host an event in India with BRAVE CF 5 in Hyderabad. The Bahrain-based promotion has since hosted additional events in the country while continuing to support Indian athletes internationally.
During the interview, Shahid confirmed that BRAVE CF is preparing an 18-month roadmap for India that includes international opportunities for Indian fighters, nationwide scouting programs, reality shows, roadshows, and three major fight events in the country.
“We will have mega events in India again,” Shahid stated. “At the same time, we will have scouting programs, reality shows, and grassroots development happening across the country.”
One of the biggest announcements from the interview was Shahid’s confirmation that BRAVE is working towards launching a franchise-based MMA league structure in India. According to him, the vision is to create a complete ecosystem that combines sport, entertainment, and talent development while connecting cities across the country.
“That league will become the second biggest league in India after IPL,” Shahid noted.
Shahid also praised the rapid growth of Indian MMA in recent years, particularly highlighting the rise of Indian athletes competing on the international stage. He specifically pointed to Owais Yaqoob as an example of the new generation of Indian MMA fighters capable of succeeding globally.
“What makes Owais special is his mindset,” Shahid explained. “Today, Indian fans believe Indian fighters can win internationally. That belief is growing.”
The BRAVE CF president further emphasized the importance of amateur development and confirmed that BRAVE’s relationship with IMMAF and national federations will continue to play a major role in creating a pathway from grassroots MMA to the professional level.
He also revealed plans for infrastructure projects and training academies in India, stating that the organization wants to create an ecosystem where athletes from around the world eventually travel to India for training.
“We want to create a new Dagestan here in India,” Shahid said.
Apart from athlete development, Shahid spoke extensively about the need to unify the fragmented MMA ecosystem in India and build a stronger industry structure involving media platforms, gyms, promotions, officials, and fans.
Looking ahead five years into the future, Shahid said his vision for Indian MMA is not centered around BRAVE CF’s revenue, but rather the impact the sport can have on the country’s sporting economy.
“We want to create a real MMA economy in India,” he said. “India can become a global leader in the fastest-growing sport in the world.”
With BRAVE CF now preparing its next phase of expansion in India, the coming months could mark a major turning point for the growth of mixed martial arts in the country.
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