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India vs. Pakistan Transcends Cricket into MMA at BRAVE CF 101

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BRAVE Combat Federation
November 04, 2025

For decades, the India vs. Pakistan rivalry has captivated hearts across South Asia, from cricket fields to stadiums filled with unmatched passion and national pride. Now, that same energy will echo inside the BRAVE Combat Federation cage as India’s Punyajit Likharu (5-1-0) and Pakistan’s Aqib Awan (7-3-0) prepare to face off in a Bantamweight showdown at BRAVE CF 101, taking place on November 9 at the Khalifa Sports City Arena in Isa Town, Bahrain.

The matchup represents more than a fight. It is a new chapter in a historic rivalry that transcends sport, politics, and borders to showcase the unifying power of mixed martial arts. Under the bright lights of BRAVE CF, Bahrain becomes a neutral ground where two nations meet not as adversaries, but as athletes sharing a global stage of discipline, courage, and respect.

Punyajit Likharu stands at the forefront of India’s rising MMA generation. Representing Soma Fight Club and Crosstrain Fight Club, the Assamese fighter has quickly gained recognition for his clean striking, composed fight IQ, and calculated movement. From competing in India’s grassroots circuits to now performing on one of the sport’s most prestigious platforms, Likharu embodies the evolution of Indian MMA and the ambition of a new breed of fighters determined to make their mark internationally. 

Representing more than 1.4 billion people, Likharu carries the weight of expectation and pride, seeking to claim victory over a traditional rival in what could be a defining moment in his young career. His adversary is Pakistan’s emerging talent, Aqib Awan, a powerful and well-rounded contender representing Fight House Islamabad. Awan brings experience, composure, and national pride into this high-stakes encounter. With seven professional wins, his ability to finish fights both on the feet and on the ground makes him a dangerous opponent for anyone in the division. 

At BRAVE CF 101, India vs. Pakistan rivalry will once again command global attention, not with a ball or bat, but through the artistry and intensity of mixed martial arts. It’s a moment that transcends boundaries and reminds the world that, inside the BRAVE CF cage, competition unites us all.

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ABOUT BRAVE CF

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 99 events across a record-breaking 38 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.

As the leading sports media property in the Middle East and holding the largest market share in Asia and Europe, BRAVE CF broadcasts to over 160+ countries, reaching 1.7 Billion households worldwide.