All bouts official for BRAVE CF 97 despite two fighters missing weight

The official weigh-ins for BRAVE CF 97 have concluded in Burgas, Bulgaria, setting the stage for another electrifying night of mixed martial arts on Saturday, July 12.

With fighters representing some of the most exciting prospects in the sport, the energy was high—and for the most part, so was the professionalism.

All bouts have been declared official, and the event is moving forward as planned. The vast majority of athletes hit their marks on the first attempt, including all fighters in the main and co-main events, despite a few tense moments on the scales.

In the main event, former title challenger Mohamed Said Maalem tipped the scales at 92.7 kg, while hometown hero Kaloyan Kolev weighed in at 93.3 kg, both making weight without issue for their highly anticipated Light Heavyweight showdown.

In the co-main event, Pavel Vladev came in at a sharp 70.6 kg, while his opponent Abou Tounkara initially missed the lightweight limit, registering 71.2 kg. However, Tounkara successfully made weight on his second attempt, clocking in at 70.8 kg, keeping the bout intact and officially sanctioned.

While the majority of the athletes were professional, punctual, and made weight on their first attempt, two fighters came in over the limit. French bantamweight Brice Picaud missed the contracted weight by 1 kilogram, but the fight against Georgia’s Lasha Abraishvili will move forward as planned. As per standard protocol, Picaud will forfeit a percentage of his fight purse to his opponent.

In the biggest weight miss of the day, Alinson Ochoa came in over by more than 3 kilograms, failing to make the Flyweight limit. As a result, his bout against Gerard Burns has been adjusted to a catchweight of 60.9 kilograms.

Despite the scale issues, both fighters have agreed to proceed, keeping fans excited for what promises to be a high-paced contest.

With all fights locked in, BRAVE CF 97 is ready to showcase elite global talent and deliver another unforgettable chapter in the “Year of the BRAVE.”