BRAVE CF 98: Owais Yaqoob vs Ian Paul Lora Fight Preview

BRAVE Combat Federation will return to China for the third time on Friday, Sept. 19, with BRAVE CF 98 taking place at Henan TV Studio 8 in Zhengzhou. The international MMA event features a deep card highlighted by rising global talent, including undefeated Filipino lightweight Ian Paul “Choco” Lora, who is set to face India’s Owais Yaqoob in a featured preliminary bout.

Lora Looks to Stay Unbeaten

Lora (3-0), a 20-year-old standout from Daraga, Albay, represents Lion’s Den MMA Academy and enters the bout with momentum and growing recognition in the Philippines. Known for his finishing ability, Lora went viral in May 2025 after delivering a nine-second knockout of Lolo Cruz, showcasing his powerful left hook.

The Filipino prospect’s all-around skill set and aggressive style have marked him as one of the country’s top up-and-coming fighters.

Yaqoob Offers Tough Test in BRAVE CF Debut

India’s Owais Yaqoob (3-1) comes into his BRAVE CF debut riding a three-fight win streak, including a second-round TKO victory this past April. Known for his pressure and striking, Yaqoob presents a dangerous challenge for Lora as both fighters aim to make a statement on the international stage.

High Stakes for Lora

A win for Lora could solidify his position as one of the Philippines’ most promising MMA prospects and open doors to future high-profile opportunities within BRAVE Combat Federation, widely regarded as the most global MMA organization. The promotion has continued to invest in Filipino talent, recently signing Drex “T-Rex” Zamboanga earlier this year.

BRAVE CF 98 Main Event

The card will be headlined by an interim featherweight title fight between Omar Solomanov of Ukraine and Rauan “Shymyr” Bekbolat of Kazakhstan in a high-stakes rematch between two of the division’s top contenders.