Pavel Dailidko Eyes Heavyweight Title at BRAVE CF 88

LockerRoom Team

27 Sep 2024

Lithuanian heavyweight Pavel Dailidko is ready to make history as he competes for the inaugural BRAVE Combat Federation Heavyweight title in the co-main event of BRAVE CF 88, set for Saturday, Sept. 28.

Dailidko, who trains alongside UFC contender Tom Aspinall, has made a remarkable comeback after a rocky start to his BRAVE CF career. In his 2022 debut at BRAVE CF 65, Dailidko was knocked out in the second round by Shamil Gaziev. However, instead of letting the defeat define his career, he used it as motivation for an extraordinary run.

The Lithuanian fighter returned later that year and delivered three consecutive first-round knockouts in 2023, stopping Luka Podkrajsek, Salim El Ouassaidi, and Janos Csukas. His series of dominant performances earned him the distinction of being the first BRAVE CF fighter to achieve three first-round finishes in a single year. Earlier this year, he solidified his place as a top contender by defeating the experienced Valdrin Istrefi at BRAVE CF 81 in Slovenia.

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Now, Dailidko has the chance to complete his rise by capturing the Heavyweight crown, but standing in his way is Polish knockout artist Patryk Dubiela. Dubiela steps into the fight on short notice after Azamat Nuftillaev withdrew, yet he brings his own momentum, having secured a first-round finish at BRAVE CF 81.

Dailidko’s journey has been one of resilience, but Dubiela’s grappling skills and aggressive style present a new challenge for the Lithuanian, who will need to adapt quickly to secure the title.

BRAVE CF 88, held in association with WFC, will also feature a Light Heavyweight title bout between Erko Jun and Alexander Wesner in the main event. The event marks BRAVE CF’s second visit to Slovenia this year.