By Journal Online

Copyright journal

BRAVE Combat Federation’s talent-filled featherweight division will take the spotlight on Friday, September 19, as Omar Solomanov of Ukraine and Rauan “Shymyr” Bekbolat of Kazakhstan square off in a high-stakes rematch for the BRAVE CF Interim Featherweight World Title.

The five-round contest headlines the highly anticipated BRAVE CF 98 at Henan TV Studio 8 in Zhengzhou, China.

The winner will claim a portion of the throne and earn the right to challenge reigning divisional king Nemat “Eagle” Abdrashitov of Kyrgyzstan in a unification bout, adding an extra layer of significance to one of the most anticipated rematches in the promotion’s history.

A Rivalry Renewed

The upcoming clash is the second meeting between Solomanov and Bekbolat. Their first encounter took place at in August 2024, where the Kazakh pulled off a stunning upset, submitting the Ukrainian with a guillotine choke in the third round.

That victory announced Bekbolat as a legitimate contender in the division and handed Solomanov a stinging setback.

Since then, both men have positioned themselves at the top of the rankings — Solomanov as the No. 1 contender and Bekbolat as the No. 2.

With their rivalry unresolved and the stakes raised, provides the perfect stage to settle the score.

Solomanov’s Road To Redemption

For Solomanov, the main event in Zhengzhou is about more than interim gold. It is about erasing the memory of his loss to Bekbolat and reaffirming his place as the top challenger for the undisputed crown.

“I’ve been waiting for this moment since the day I walked out of the cage,” Solomanov said. “Bekbolat caught me once, but lightning doesn’t strike twice. This is my chance to prove who the better fighter truly is — and I won’t let it slip away.”

Known for his pressure-heavy style and technical striking, the 32-year-old has built a reputation as one of the most dangerous athletes in the weight class.

A win on Friday would not only give him a belt but also restore momentum as he looks toward a unification bout against Abdrashitov.

Bekbolat’s Chance To Prove It Again

Bekbolat enters the rematch with the confidence of having already beaten his rival. He believes his first victory was no accident and views the showdown at as an opportunity to prove he is championship material.

“I finished him before, and I will finish him again,” Bekbolat said. “The first fight was no fluke. This time, the stakes are higher, and I will show the world that I am the future of the featherweight division.”

Bekbolat’s grappling acumen was the difference in their initial meeting, and many eyes will be on whether he can impose that same strength again under the brightest lights of his career.

High Stakes For The Division

Beyond personal pride and redemption, the headliner carries major implications for the 145-pound bracket.

Reigning champion Abdrashitov awaits the winner in what would be a unification bout that could define the weight class for years to come.

For Solomanov, victory at BRAVE CF 98 means a second chance to secure the coveted prize he has long been chasing.

But for Bekbolat, another win over his rival would cement his rise from prospect to titleholder, and potentially launch a new era for Kazakh MMA under the BRAVE CF banner.

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ABOUT BRAVE COMBAT FEDERATION

BRAVE Combat Federation, founded in 2016, is the fastest-growing MMA organization globally, dedicated to transforming mixed martial arts from an event-driven business into a comprehensive sports ecosystem. With a vision to provide fighters worldwide a platform to showcase their talents, BRAVE CF has hosted 100+ events across a record-breaking 36 countries.

The organization boasts the world’s largest MMA development program, featuring over 800 fighters from 90+ nations, supporting athletes from grassroots to professional stardom. BRAVE CF actively supports efforts for SportsAccord recognition and potential Olympic inclusion of MMA.