Srinagar, Aug 01 (KNO): Jammu and Kashmir's rising mixed martial arts (MMA) sensation Owais Yaqoob is all set to take on the toughest challenge of his professional career when he locks horns with undefeated Bulgarian fighter Delyan Georgiev at BRAVE Combat Federation 107 in Burgas, Bulgaria, on Saturday night.
According to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), the highly anticipated 68-kilogram catchweight contest at Arena Burgas will see the Pulwama-born fighter test himself against one of Europe's most promising prospects. Georgiev heads into the fight with an unbeaten 3-0 professional record and is a two-time IMMAF World Champion, making the clash one of the most significant bouts of Yaqoob's career.
Hailing from Murran village in south Kashmir's Pulwama district, Owais has emerged as one of India's brightest MMA talents through years of dedication, discipline and hard work. After beginning his journey from the Valley, he steadily climbed the ranks with impressive performances on the domestic and international circuit.
The 27-year-old enters the contest with an impressive professional record of 5-1 and is currently riding a five-fight winning streak. His aggressive fighting style and ability to finish opponents early have earned him widespread recognition, including several first-round stoppage victories under the BRAVE Combat Federation banner.
Yaqoob's remarkable performances also earned him the prestigious BRAVE CF Breakout Fighter of the Year 2025 award, firmly establishing him as one of India's fastest-rising mixed martial artists.
The bout also features a fascinating contest between two of the world's leading MMA training systems. Georgiev trains with Team Topuria, home to UFC featherweight champion Ilia Topuria, while Owais sharpens his skills with Team Khabib at the renowned American Kickboxing Academy, training under the system developed by former UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov.
Speaking ahead of the fight, Owais expressed confidence in his preparation and said he is determined to deliver his best performance inside the cage.
"I have prepared extremely hard for this fight and every training session has been focused on this moment. I will give my hundred percent inside the cage and my aim is to dominate the fight. Representing Jammu and Kashmir and India on an international platform is a matter of immense pride, and I hope to make everyone back home proud," he said.
A victory over Georgiev would be one of the biggest wins by an Indian fighter in recent years and would significantly boost Owais' standing in the international MMA circuit, opening the door to bigger opportunities in BRAVE Combat Federation and beyond—(KNO)