BRAVE CF 98 Heads to Zhengzhou, China With Nicholas Hwende vs. Bin Xie

BRAVE Combat Federation is set to return to China with BRAVE CF 98 on Friday, September 19, featuring a high-stakes co-main event between Zimbabwe’s Nicholas “The Saint” Hwende and China’s Bin “The Stalker” Xie.

Hwende, the former BRAVE CF Bantamweight World Champion now based in South Africa, will move up to featherweight for the three-round showdown. The bout carries added prestige, as the winner will claim the YFU International Championship, a one-off title presented by BRAVE CF’s local co-promoter YFU.

While not an official world championship fight, the unique prize raises the stakes for both athletes. Hwende has built a reputation as one of Africa’s premier mixed martial artists, earning fans across the continent with his sharp striking, relentless pace, and composure under pressure.

Xie, a Chinese standout nicknamed “The Stalker,” is known for his forward pressure and explosive combinations, setting up a clash of styles that promises fireworks in Zhengzhou.

The card will be headlined by the BRAVE CF Interim Featherweight World Championship, as Ukraine’s Omar Solomanov faces Kazakhstan’s Rauan Bekbolat. Hwende vs. Xie will serve as the penultimate bout leading into the main event.

For African MMA fans, Hwende’s return marks another milestone moment for the continent’s growing presence in global mixed martial arts. A victory in Zhengzhou would further cement “The Saint” as one of BRAVE CF’s most exciting athletes while showcasing Africa’s rising influence in the sport.