NEWS

One of the sought-after mixed martial arts athletes to ever come out of the sport’s well-entrenched scene in Russia is ready to begin an exciting new chapter in his professional career at the much-awaited BRAVE CF 51: The Future Is Here.

On Friday, June 4th in Minsk, Belarus, Roman Bogatov will embark on a brand new challenge, moving down to the talent-filled Featherweight division. In his first assignment at 145 pounds, he will face compatriot and newcomer Abdulmutalip Gairbekov.

Bogatov is coming off a successful promotional debut against Nurzhan Akishev in a Catchweight contest this past January, and it was a performance that showed he was back to his best.

The 30-year-old native of Orenburg, Russia believes that he could further showcase his true potential by competing in a weight class best suited for his body frame.

"When I fought at Lightweight, I only had to cut three to four kilograms. But I was small for a Lightweight. Now I decided to fight at 65.8 kilograms because that weight is better for me. I think I can achieve good results in this new weight class,” he explained.

With the throne in the division currently vacated, Bogatov looks to pick up a statement-making victory over Gairbekov in his maiden outing as a featherweight.

“I am looking forward to putting on a great performance. I have been training hard and going through strategies. I hope to give my 110 percent in the cage. I am coming to win,” he stated.

However, a tough test awaits Bogatov in the form of Gairbekov, who owns a seasoned 15-2-1, Moreover, his countryman hasn’t tasted defeat in nearly nine years as he is currently riding high on a 12-bout undefeated streak.

Even if Gairbekov presents too much danger in both striking and grappling departments, Bogatov is unperturbed by his countryman’s versatility and remains optimistic that he could establish leverage wherever the fight goes.

“I've prepared for the most difficult opponent in my career. The task is to go out and fight clearly according to plan. I won’t give him space to breathe or an inch to move when I have him on the ground,” he declared. “I will put pressure on him everywhere and then hunt for the finish,” Bogatov added. “You will get to see that on Friday. There will be a lot of pain for him."