The gallant athletes of BRAVE Combat Federation give their all to defeat their opponents inside the cage, but their efforts are always guided by the core values of martial arts–including humility, respect, and compassion.
Whether they get their hand raised in triumph or put on the receiving end of a heartbreaking outcome, these warriors share a genuine appreciation for each other’s efforts and skills, leading to incredibly heartwarming displays of sportsmanship.
This was demonstrated by Russian standout Gamzat Magomedov when he defeated Mochamed “The Beast” Machaev of Austria in their bantamweight clash at BRAVE CF 52: Bad Blood in Milan, Italy over the weekend.
The St. Petersburg, Russia native only needed 54 seconds to get the job done, dropping Machaev with a counter left hook and then polishing him off with a plethora of harrowing blows on the mat to force the referee to step in and call a halt to the contest.
With the impressive win over Machaev, Magomedov improved his professional record to 6-1. Furthermore, he makes a case to vie for the vacant BRAVE CF Bantamweight World Championship.
Though both men traded barbs in the lead-up to their clash last Sunday, it was in complete contrast after the bout as Machaev showed absolute class by congratulating Magomedov on his success through his social media account.
“Today I won the battle, but before accepting congratulations, I would like first of all to wish good health to my opponent Mochamad Machaev, and comment on the behavior after the fight,” says Magomedov. “Before the fight, there were many experiences and these were emotions that I kept in myself for a long time. I admit that it was unnecessary.”
Magomedov added, “I have only respect for Muhammad from the very beginning and it will always be so. do not raise the national question. Today, luck was on my side, but I wish Muhammad only victories in the future! He is very young and I am sure he has a great future ahead of him.”
In response, Machaev also had good words to say to his talented opponent, who entered the match with a previously-unbeaten standing.
“It was a tough defeat, but life doesn’t always go according to your plan. I will be back stronger than ever. Congratulations to Gamzat, he deserves a title fight.This was my first defeat, I accept it and move on,” says Machaev.
They weren’t long-lost friends meeting each other after a long time prior to the encounter, but a special bond was forged that night.
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