Velimurad Alkhasov Commits to Bantamweight Division Pursuit at BRAVE CF

20 January 2024

Russian fighter Velimurad Alkhasov, renowned as one of the top Flyweights globally and a sambo world champion, is embracing a permanent shift to the Bantamweight division within the ever-expanding roster of BRAVE Combat Federation. The Bantamweight division, currently spearheaded by world champion Nkosi Ndebele, has added another formidable contender in Alkhasov.

No stranger to the 135-pound weight class, Alkhasov's last outing at BRAVE CF 71 saw him victorious against Nicholas Hwende. This victory occurred while he awaited the resolution of Ali Bagautinov's situation, with whom he was slated to compete for the inaugural Flyweight world championship. Following the win, Alkhasov was scheduled to face Edilceu Alves for the 125-pound title after Bagautinov withdrew from the tournament.

However, in a turn of events, Alkhasov found himself withdrawing from the title fight this time around. Undeterred, he has entered 2024 with a renewed focus, setting his sights on the Bantamweight world title. Through his social media accounts, Alkhasov expressed his eagerness to vie for the coveted belt in the near future.

The road to the title may involve a wait as his teammate at KHK Team Bahrain, Jose Torres, seeks another opportunity against the reigning champion, Nkosi Ndebele. The two fighters have each secured a victory against the other, and Torres, the former champion, is actively campaigning for the first trilogy in BRAVE CF history.

While Ndebele has previously indicated openness to defending the world title against Torres, questions about Torres' eligibility for another shot have been raised in light of the outcome of their second encounter. This uncertainty could pave the way for Velimurad Alkhasov, who boasts a win over Hwende, a prominent 135-pound contender fresh off a significant victory against Tajikistan's Mutolibsho Akobirov. Alkhasov firmly positions himself as a compelling candidate for an upcoming title fight in the competitive Bantamweight division.