The BRAVE Combat Federation featherweight division is set for one of its most anticipated rematches as top-ranked Omar Solomanov faces No. 2-ranked Rauan Bekbolat for the Interim Featherweight World Title at BRAVE CF 98 on Sept. 19 in China.
The bout is more than a championship clash — it is redemption versus validation.
The two first met at BRAVE CF 85 in Lahore, Pakistan, where Solomanov entered with an 11-fight unbeaten streak and appeared on the verge of a world title shot. For two rounds, the Ukrainian contender dominated, controlling the action and looking set for his 12th straight win.
But Bekbolat shocked the MMA world in the third round. Making his promotional debut, the Kazakh fighter locked in a guillotine choke, submitting Solomanov in one of the biggest upsets in BRAVE CF history.
Since that night, both men have risen even higher. Solomanov rebounded with a first-round knockout of Izzedine Derbani at BRAVE CF 92, showcasing his aggressive striking. Bekbolat extended his momentum with a liver-punch knockout of Zequiodoji, handing him his first professional loss.
With reigning featherweight champion Nemat Abdrashitov unavailable, the rivalry now continues with interim gold at stake. For Solomanov, the fight is a chance to erase the lone blemish on his record and capture his first world title. For Bekbolat, it is an opportunity to prove his upset was no fluke and solidify his place among the best in the division.
BRAVE CF 98 promises fireworks as the featherweight elite collide again in Shanghai. The question remains: will Solomanov earn redemption, or will Bekbolat repeat history and leave China with the belt?
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