Jose Torres becomes third KHK Team Bahrain athlete to win BRAVE CF title

14 August 2023

In a thrilling showcase of skill and determination, KHK Team Bahrain once again made its mark on the global MMA scene. The spotlight fell upon USA's Jose "Shorty" Torres, who emerged victorious as the newly crowned BRAVE Combat Federation Bantamweight champion at the grand stage of BRAVE CF 73 in Bogota, Colombia.

After facing disappointments during his Flyweight campaign in the esteemed MMA promotion, Torres took a remarkable stride by transitioning to the Bantamweight division, seizing the opportunity with unwavering determination.

His mettle shone brightly as he overcame the challenge posed by South Africa's Nkosi Ndebele, securing a hard-fought split decision victory (49-45, 48-47, 49-47) that kept fans at the Coliseo El Salitre on the edge of their seats.

In joining the illustrious ranks of KHK Team Bahrain athletes who have held BRAVE CF titles, Torres shares this prestigious platform with luminaries such as the reigning Super Lightweight champion Eldar Eldarov and former Lightweight champion Ahmed Amir.

The battle's early rounds proved to be a test of resilience for Torres, as Ndebele showcased his adeptness at maintaining distance and delivering precise strikes to both the body and head. Torres adeptly adjusted his strategy, realizing that bridging the gap and leveraging his superior wrestling skills were pivotal.

As the contest progressed, Torres found his rhythm, a turning point that paved the way for a series of successful takedowns, clinches, and grappling exchanges. While Ndebele mounted defenses against several takedowns, Torres relentlessly pushed forward, targeting Ndebele's lead leg to counteract the South African's rangy assaults.

Ultimately, it was Torres' work rate, both in the clinch and on the canvas, that swayed the judges in his favor, securing him the esteemed BRAVE CF gold and marking KHK Team Bahrain's triumphant capture of a third BRAVE CF belt.

KHK Team Bahrain, under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Khalid Bin Hamad Al Khalifa, continues to stand as a beacon of excellence in the world of mixed martial arts. With celebrated figures like Khabib Nurmagomedov, Frankie Edgar, Shamil Gaziev, and Hamza Kooheji, among others, it embodies a realm of world-class athletes.

This brand, nurtured to fruition by His Highness, is a testament to a vision that fosters an environment of excellence and camaraderie for both resident and visiting athletes within the Kingdom of Bahrain. Not only does it house exceptional talents, but it has also been a platform where distinguished coaches like Renzo Gracie, John Kavanagh, Bob Schirmer, and Pete Williams have contributed their expertise to the growth of KHK MMA.

Jose 'Shorty' Torres becomes the new BRAVE CF Bantamweight World Champion????

[#BRAVECF73 #MMA #Bogota #Colombia] pic.twitter.com/yPjoPJaZUX

— BRAVE Combat Federation (@bravemmaf) August 13, 2023