NEWS

Pioneers in their respective countries, Khandare and Mashwani are set to lock horns at BRAVE CF 85 in a historic India vs. Pakistan matchup

For the first time ever, an India vs. Pakistan MMA fight will take place on Pakistani soil as Indian MMA veteran Bharat Khandare faces Pakistani veteran Zia Mashwani at BRAVE CF 85 on August 18 in Lahore, Pakistan.

To date, no Indian MMA fighter has crossed borders to compete in Pakistan and now, Bharat Khandare, alongside Srikant Sekhar, who will fight Rizwan Ali in the co-main event, is preparing for a historic moment in MMA for both nations.

With high stakes, BRAVE Combat Federation matchmakers have ensured that the fight features two prominent figures. Bharat Khandare and Zia Mashwani are pioneers of MMA in their respective countries and will seek to make history when they clash at BRAVE CF 85.

Bharat, who has fought once before in BRAVE CF, is returning after a seven-year hiatus, determined to raise the Indian flag on Pakistani soil; something that would instantly make him a national hero. Zia Mashwani, meanwhile, is preparing for his fifth appearance in BRAVE Combat Federation, aiming to defend his nation’s honour at home.

Although Bharat and Mashwani are already recognized in the history of MMA in India and Pakistan, their fight at BRAVE CF 85 offers them a chance to cement their legacies in the folklore of their respective nations. The fact that this match is taking place under the banner of the most global MMA organization further raises the stakes for both fighters.

Over the years, India vs. Pakistan matchups have captured the attention of audiences worldwide, and the battle between Bharat and Mashwani is expected to be no different, providing a huge boost to the MMA scene in both countries.

BRAVE CF 85 will take place on August 18 in Lahore, Pakistan, featuring not only the two India vs. Pakistan showdowns but also showcasing the next generation of global stars and top MMA talent from Pakistan in action.