LAHORE: Brave Combat Federation marks its return to Pakistan after a six-year gap on August 18 with Brave CF 85, headlined by a monumental Indo-Pak bout that will undoubtedly capture the nation’s attention.
The event is co-headlined by Pakistani superstar Rizwan Ali, competing against Indian MMA veteran Srikant Sekhar in a highly anticipated Lightweight showdown.
This landmark event, Brave CF 85, scheduled from 18th to 22nd August 2024, will be broadcast live on Pakistan’s first HD sports channel, A Sports, and simultaneously streamed on ARY ZAP.
The event not only features the high-stakes clash between Rizwan and Sekhar but also brings together 16 teams and 180 athletes from across the globe, including a thrilling Featherweight bout between Rauan Bekbolat and Omar Solomanov.
The fight card showcases 15 Indian athletes, underscoring the event’s significance as a unifying moment for sports enthusiasts in the region.
This event, broadcast in 180 countries in 25 different languages and reaching 10 million households, with a total viewership of over 500 million globally, solidifies its place as the biggest combat sports festival ever hosted in Pakistan.
Visionary Leadership and Strategic Partnerships
This extraordinary achievement is a testament to the unwavering commitment and visionary leadership of Omar Ahmed, President of the Pakistan MMA Federation. From humble beginnings, the Federation has grown exponentially, transforming the sport into a powerful movement within Pakistan.
Through monumental efforts, the Federation has successfully secured the Asian Championship for Pakistan, showcasing an unparalleled resolve to support athletes and develop the sport at both the grassroots and elite levels.
The Federation’s journey has been significantly bolstered by the unwavering support of Salman Iqbal and the ARY Group. Their strategic partnership has been instrumental in bringing MMA to the forefront of Pakistani sports.
Salman Iqbal’s visionary backing, through platforms like A Sports and ARY ZAP, has provided the necessary media exposure and resources to elevate the sport to new heights in the country.
Under Omar Ahmed’s leadership, and with the invaluable support of Salman Iqbal, the Federation has redefined the future of sports in Pakistan.
Their combined visionary approach has not only brought the Asian Championship to Pakistan but has also positioned the country as a rising force in the global MMA community.
The Federation’s accomplishments, such as winning the Asian Championship, demonstrate how a dedicated and strategic vision can achieve the unthinkable.
MMA’s Growing Popularity in Pakistan
MMA has quickly become the second most popular sport in Pakistan, dominating social media platforms like Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok among the 16-25 age group.
On Facebook, it ranks second only to cricket. The sport’s increasing appeal and business potential indicate that MMA in Pakistan could soon rival cricket in market size.
The Federation’s success story, despite the lack of government funding, is a shining example of how sports can thrive through self-sustaining models.
The Federation has consistently achieved new heights, winning medals in major international championships, including the 2022 World Championship in Abu Dhabi, the 2023 World Championship in Serbia, and the 2023 Asian Championship in Bahrain.
A Social Phenomenon
The White Collar Fight League, initiated by the Federation, has grown from humble beginnings in local parks to a social phenomenon that showcases resilience, character development, and better mental health among youth from privileged backgrounds. With millions of views on social media, it signals a silent revolution in the country.
The Federation’s achievements are not just limited to the ring. By leveraging strong viewership, a growing number of casual practitioners, and partnerships with businesses that share the sport’s values, the Federation, with the crucial media backing of the ARY Group, has proven the financial viability and sustainability of MMA as a legitimate career path for athletes.
Redefining the Future of Sports in Pakistan
The success of programs like Bahrain’s investment in BRAVE CF and the UFC’s Fight Island in Abu Dhabi has shown how countries can use MMA to promote national pride and gain international recognition.
Pakistan, under the leadership of Omar Ahmed and the Pakistan MMA Federation, with the support of Salman Iqbal and the ARY Group, is now poised to follow this path, using MMA to redefine the future of sports in the country.
The upcoming Brave CF 85, headlined by the Indo-Pak bout, is more than just an event; it is a statement of Pakistan’s rise in the global sports arena.
This monumental effort by the Pakistan MMA Federation, coupled with strategic partnerships like that with the ARY Group, will undoubtedly pave the way for a brighter future for sports in the country.
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