Africa’s 1st international MMA event to take place in Morocco in August 2018

Headquartered in Muharraq, Bahrain, mixed martial arts promotion Brave Combat Federation is making history on August 18, 2018. Its 14th event titled “Brave 14” will take place in Tangier, Morocco making it the first ever international MMA event in Africa.

It appears that Brave CF is planning to conquer all the continents. After establishing its base in its home continent Asia, the promotion explored South America, North America and most recently Europe.

Brave CF was founded on September 23, 2016 by Sheikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa, 28, of the Bahraini royal family Al Khalifa. The promotion is headed by its president Mohammed “The Hawk” Shahid, 29, the KHK Sports CEO and the first fighter from Middle East to headline an international MMA event.

The first two events and the ninth event of Brave CF took place at the Khalifa Sports City Arena in Isa Town, Bahrain. Its third, eighth and 11th events were all hosted in Brazil while its seventh event was held at the Caliente Casino in Tijuana, Mexico.

Aside from Bahrain, Brave CF’s previous Asian destinations include India in its fifth event, Kazakhstan in its sixth event, Jordan in its 10th event and Indonesia in its 12th event. Its first event in Europe took place at the SSE Arena in Belfast, Northern Ireland on June 9, 2018 in its 13th event.

There are still no details about the fight card for “Brave 14.” Among the expected fighters to be on the card are the promotion’s South African athletes J.P. Buys, 22, and Chad “Superman” Hanekom, 26.

Buys served as Hanekom’s cornerman during Brave CF’s 13th event, which was held in Belfast, Northern Ireland. At “Brave 13: Europe Evolution,” reigning Brave CF Bantamweight Champion Stephen “The Sniper” Loman, 23, of Baguio City, Philippines successfully defended his title from Frans “The Black Mamba” Mlambo, 27, of Dublin, Ireland.

“Brave 14” will establish a base for upcoming Brave CF events in the continent of Africa. The event will be held under the patronage of His Majesty Mohammed VI, the King of Morocco.

Through the partnership with StarSat and VodaCom, Brave CF has secured extensive broadcast coverage in Africa before its entry into the continent. Currently broadcasting live on Abu Dhabi Sports, Combate, StarSat, VodaCom, Ran Fighting and Fite TV, the promotion aims to reach 140 countries by the end of 2018.

In the second half of 2018, Brave CF will host at least eight events. One of these is the 2018 Brave International Combat Week, which will take place in the Kingdom of Bahrain. 

Tangier, Morocco was confirmed as the “Brave 14” venue on the 49th edition of “Brave News” on July 1, 2018. Prior to the announcement, there were speculations that Brave CF may hold its next event in Brazil, South Africa, Spain or the Philippines.

Here is the Brave CF president: