One of the most exciting bantamweight signings of last year, Bair Shtepin, will begin his new year campaign with one of the biggest challenges of his mixed martial arts career.
Shtepin will meet fellow Russian standout Alexander Keshton at BRAVE CF 46, which will mark the fastest-growing MMA organisation’s first-ever event in his nation, on January 16.
Against an opponent who has made his name in the US, Shtepin will hope to be fast-tracked to a title shot with a win. He has made a simple analysis of the current bantamweight landscape at BRAVE Combat Federation, and is confident of earning a title shot this year.
“My opponent is a good and experienced fighter, but I’m a competitor. I like to strike and I will go for the win. I think I can kill everyone in this weight-class and eventually become BRAVE CF bantamweight world champion. I know I can do it, and I will do it,’’ said a confident Shtepin.
Shtepin is coming off a devastating victory over Brazil’s Gerson Pereira, at BRAVE CF 44, in November last year. The win came after he connected with a spinning-back kick to the body of his opponent in the dying seconds of the first round, rendering Gerson unable to continue due to the pain in the ribcage. Another astounding victory in Russia can put him in the mix for a bantamweight title shot.
BRAVE CF 46 will be headlined by a world title fight between reigning super lightweight world champion Eldar Eldarov and Leonardo Mafra, a top contender from Brazil.
Also set for action in the historic show are the likes of Ali Bagautinov, Roman Bogatov, and Valentin Erokhin.
BRAVE CF 46 takes place in association with Krepost Selection.
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