BRAVE CF 103 Set for Gripping MMA Encounters in Historic Return to Uzbekistan

BRAVE Combat Federation is set to close its historic 2025 calendar in emphatic fashion as BRAVE CF 103 storms into Bukhara, Uzbekistan, on Tuesday, delivering a night of high-stakes mixed martial arts action at the Universal Sports Complex.

More than just a fight card, BRAVE CF 103 represents a powerful reaffirmation of the organisation’s long-standing commitment to Uzbekistan and the wider Central Asian region. Held in collaboration with Amir Temur Fighting Championship, the event marks BRAVE CF’s long-awaited return to the country—its first since the landmark BRAVE CF 59 in June 2022.

That debut produced unforgettable moments, including Abdisalam ‘Omok’ Kubanychbek’s world title defence and the emergence of Nemat ‘Eagle’ Abdrashitov as a dominant featherweight force. Now, the world’s fastest-growing and most global MMA organisation returns to continue a journey defined by opportunity, representation, and elite competition.

“We are thrilled to return to Uzbekistan and to end 2025 with a bang,” said BRAVE CF president Mohammed Shahid. “The energy, talent, and passion we witnessed here before were unforgettable, and coming back feels like the perfect way to celebrate a remarkable year for BRAVE CF.”

Since its inception, the Bahrain-based promotion has carried elite MMA to every corner of the globe, with Central Asia remaining a cornerstone of its vision. Fighters from the region have consistently risen to prominence on the BRAVE CF stage, including champions and contenders such as Kubanychbek, Abdrashitov, interim featherweight titleholder Omar Solomanov, and No. 2-ranked featherweight contender Rauan ‘Shymyr’ Bekbolat.

BRAVE CF 103 continues that legacy with a card designed to honour local heroes while showcasing emerging talent from across Central Asia and South Asia. 

Headlining the event, Uzbekistan’s own Nozim ‘Bukhara Warrior’ Kalandarov faces Pakistan’s undefeated Rizwan ‘The Haider’ Ali in a compelling lightweight showdown, with both fighters seeking a career-defining victory to close the year.

The co-main event features a regional clash in the featherweight division, as Uzbekistan’s Sardor ‘Tiger’ Khudoyberdiev takes on Kazakhstan’s Koshen Akanov in a bout expected to deliver nonstop intensity.

Adding further depth and global significance, the card includes several ranked contenders, with No. 3-ranked super lightweight Khamzat ‘Borz’ Maaev, No. 3-ranked super welterweight Zagid Gaidarov, No. 7-ranked lightweight Owais Yaqoob, and No. 7-ranked flyweight Ismail ‘The Volcano’ Khan all set to compete as they chase momentum and world title ambitions.

From the opening bell to the final horn, BRAVE CF 103 promises relentless action, gripping matchups, and edge-of-your-seat drama bringing the curtain down on 2025 with a resounding statement of intent.