Tensions flare and history beckons at BRAVE CF 100 press conference

The atmosphere inside the Avenues Mall in Manama, Bahrain was electric on Wednesday, November 5, as BRAVE Combat Federation hosted the official BRAVE CF 100 press conference following the open workouts.

Eight of the eighteen fighters set to compete at Friday’s milestone event faced off in front of the media and fans, and things got heated fast.

Hosted by BRAVE CF Official Sam Brett, the press conference featured BRAVE CF Bantamweight World Champion Borislav Nikolić, Hamza Kooheji, Muhammad Mokaev, Gerard Burns, Alex Lohoré, Mohamed Alsameea, Mim Grubb, and Rami Hamed. Each fighter brought a serving of confidence, pride, and intensity as they prepare to make history in the Kingdom of Bahrain in less than 48 hours.

The highlight of the night was undoubtedly the mental and verbal warfare between Muhammad ‘The Punisher’ Mokaev and Ireland’s Gerard ‘The Animal’ Burns, who will clash for the vacant BRAVE CF flyweight world championship. The two couldn’t resist exchanging barbs each time they touched the mic, and had no shortage of venomous words for each other any other time.

Burns fired the first shot, delivering a blunt message to Mokaev: “You’ve been in MMA matches. I’m going to bring you a fight.” Once he got the chance to get on the mic, Mokaev confidently stated, “He’s ranked somewhere in Ireland, but I was ranked number five in the world. They’re all dreaming to fight me.”

As the press conference continued on, Burns took another opportunity to unleash more venom upon his adversary, stating, “He’s been sacked by the UFC despite being undefeated. It’s unheard of.” Unfazed, Mokaev fired the final word: “I’ve been sacked to beat bums like you.”

While those two stole the show, the fireworks didn’t end there. Moments after the press conference began, BRAVE CF two-division champion and newly-minted Hall of Fame inductee Mohammad Fakhreddine called in live from his induction to send a chilling message to his upcoming opponent, Alex ‘Da Killa King’ Lohoré.

“Alex, make no mistake, my brother,” Fakhreddine said.

“I know I’m at the Hall of Fame induction, but don’t let that take anything away from my preparation. Friday night, my brother, I’m coming to really fight it out. Let’s go!”

Hamza Kooheji, Bahrain’s own hero, vowed to make history in front of his home crowd. Mokaev hinted that, should he capture the flyweight crown, his sights may soon turn to another BRAVE CF champion – Borislav Nikolić. The two exchanged light-hearted words on stage, teasing a potential super showdown, with Nikolić’s preference of the location being Belgrade, Serbia being made clear in the process.

Elsewhere, rising star Mim Grubb used her time on the mic to shine a light on BRAVE CF’s commitment to women’s MMA. “BRAVE have really shown that they want to pioneer female MMA and, to be part of that, is really amazing,” she said. “It’s an honour to fight for BRAVE.”

Meanwhile, Alex Lohoré, representing France, England, and Ivory Coast, spoke passionately about what carrying the African flag into the cage means to him. “Ivory Coast is in my heart. It’s always been in my heart,” he said. “It’s motivation, it’s legacy, it’s what I do it for. I’m excited to represent Ivory Coast. I’m excited to represent Africa.”

With tensions rising and emotions running high, BRAVE CF 100 promises to deliver a night worthy of its historic billing – a celebration of global talent, national pride, and the relentless spirit of mixed martial arts. It all goes down on Friday, November 7 live from the Khalifa Sports City in Isa Town, Bahrain.