Velimurad Alkhasov targets BRAVE CF Bantamweight title

12 June 2023

Having embarked on a remarkable journey with BRAVE Combat Federation, Velimurad Alkhasov is far from finished with the premier global MMA organization. He is now set to make his eagerly anticipated return to the Bantamweight division at BRAVE CF 71 on June 19, where he will face off against Nicholas Hwende, the reigning African MMA champion in the 135-pound weight class.

In 2018, Alkhasov caught the attention of BRAVE CF matchmakers with his dominant performance against the highly skilled veteran Sean Santella at BRAVE CF 14. This impressive display earned the former Russian Flyweight champion a spot in the inaugural BRAVE CF Flyweight title fight against Brazil's Marcel Adur at BRAVE CF 18.

The build-up to that monumental night in Manama, Bahrain, garnered worldwide attention, and Alkhasov once again demonstrated his prowess as the man to beat in the 125-pound division. As a former Combat Sambo world champion, he showcased his skills across all aspects of the game, ultimately securing another unanimous decision victory. However, this triumph would forever remain bittersweet for Alkhasov, as he was unable to claim the title due to missing weight, an unprecedented occurrence in his professional MMA career.

Undeterred, Alkhasov received another opportunity to vie for the prestigious Flyweight title in the BRAVE CF Flyweight tournament. Seizing the chance with determination, he triumphed over Adur's compatriot Flavio de Queiroz and the USA's Zach Makovsky in the quarter-finals and semi-finals, respectively, earning his place in the finals against Russia's Ali Bagautinov. This awaited confrontation offered Alkhasov the chance to redeem himself and secure the championship that had eluded him in his previous title fight.

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Sadly, Bagautinov's world was shattered when he received the devastating news of his son's passing, plunging him into profound mourning. Out of respect for the grieving Russian, BRAVE CF put the Flyweight tournament on hold indefinitely, offering support to Bagautinov during this difficult time.

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In light of these circumstances, Alkhasov has redirected his focus to the Bantamweight division, setting his sights on the 135-pound strap while eagerly awaiting his long-awaited Flyweight championship bout. With an impressive record of eight wins and only one loss, Alkhasov is prepared to make his Bantamweight debut, fully aware that a victory will propel him towards a world title shot in the 135-pound category.