Manama: BRAVE Combat Federation (BRAVE CF) is poised to achieve another milestone in its international expansion with the upcoming BRAVE CF 108 event set to launch in the Republic of Croatia on September 5. This event marks the organization's debut in the country, further solidifying Bahrain's role as a prominent global hub for the development of mixed martial arts.
According to Bahrain News Agency, the event will be hosted at the historic Pula Arena, making Croatia the 18th European nation and the 39th country worldwide to welcome a BRAVE CF event. This expansion underscores the promotion's growing influence across Europe, where it continues to establish itself as a leading force in mixed martial arts while pursuing rapid international growth.
In under a decade, BRAVE CF has emerged as one of the sport's most influential organizations. Headquartered in Bahrain, it now commands a significant share of the European mixed martial arts market, offering athletes worldwide a platform to showcase their talent and compete at the highest level.
The event will feature two career-defining contests involving elite athletes from Croatia, France, the Philippines, and Georgia. Croatian star Andi Vrtacic is set to headline the event against France's Sofiane Bouafia in a three-round middleweight contest. Vrtacic, riding high on his regional circuit success, enters the bout with six knockout victories in nine professional wins, aiming to make a strong impression in his BRAVE CF debut before his home audience.
Bouafia, with extensive experience in professional bouts since 2012, brings his own formidable record to the contest. With seven of his victories achieved by stoppage, Bouafia is determined to disrupt Vrtacic's homecoming.
The co-main event features former BRAVE CF Bantamweight World Champion Stephen Loman from the Philippines against Georgia's Lasha Abramishvili. This pivotal contest is expected to propel the winner into contention for the vacant BRAVE CF Bantamweight World Championship. Loman, a pioneering star of BRAVE CF, returns to the cage after a lengthy absence, boasting a perfect 6-0 promotional record.
Opposing him is Abramishvili, one of the division's rising contenders, who enters the contest with a professional record of 12 wins, two losses, and one draw. With an undefeated 4-0 record in BRAVE CF, Abramishvili aims to continue his ascent with a decisive victory.
BRAVE CF 108 exemplifies the organization's ongoing global journey and reflects Bahrain's dedication to using sport as a platform for cultural connection, athlete empowerment, and shaping the future of mixed martial arts through its globally recognized vision.