Abdouraguimov ready to validate meteoric rise with title win at Brave 23

One of the youngest fighters in the Brave Combat Federation roster, undefeated Abdoul Abdouraguimov, 23, has been quickly thrust into the spotlight with two convincing performances for the promotion. Now, he will have the chance to crown one of the fastest rises in MMA history by becoming the new Brave world Welterweight champion. He takes on current titleholder Jarrah Al-Selawe in the main event of Brave 23: Pride and Honor, set for Amman, Jordan, on April 19th.

Born in Dagestan, “The Conqueror” left his hometown as a young kid, moving to Germany, where he spent his childhood. But it wasn’t until his family relocated to Nantes, France, that he got involved in martial arts. Adapted to his surroundings and speaking fluent French, Abdoul found himself.

Currently one of the most feared grapplers in MMA, Abdouraguimov incredibly started training less than seven years ago, aged 16. He first got involved with freestyle wrestling after his cousin invited him to join a local gym, and was instantly hooked with the sport, showing great composure and talent, traits that follow him to this day.

Three years later, Abdouraguimov added jiu-jitsu to his training under Beto Ramos, who owns a De La Riva affiliate gym in Nantes, and has never looked back, winning titles in both wrestling and jiu-jitsu.

When he turned 21, Abdoul made his mixed martial arts debut. While he always dabbled in training other disciplines, such as boxing and kickboxing, his rise through the ranks was surprising, even by his own standards.

“We used to do informal training sessions in the gym, in boxing and kickboxing, and stuff like that. I like all those sports, so to mix all of them seemed like a good idea. I always thought to myself that I would like to try MMA one day. So when I turned 21, I said to myself: let’s try this. I didn’t expect things to happen so fast. Fight after fight, one bigger than the other. And now I’m here, fighting for a world title”.

Before becoming a top contender at Welterweight, Abdoul had two incredible performances under the Brave banner. He ran through decorated wrestler Sidney Wheeler, at Brave 14, by taking down the American fighter and using his ground and pound to finish the fight. A few months later, he headlined his first show and neutralized powerful striker Rodrigo Cavalheiro’s game. The win over a 30-fight professional was enough to get him a title shot.

Now, he will take on Jarrah Al-Selawe, who holds the record for most wins inside the Brave Arena, with six victories. Not only that, but Abdoul will travel into Al-Selawe’s hometown in order to try and become the new world champion.

“As a fighter, I have to be prepared to fight anywhere, anytime, with anybody. You have to have this mentality. I know this is a sport, but as a fighter, you have to be ready. I would be ready here, at my home, wherever. Maybe he has pressure on him because he will be in front of his hometown, with his family, friends, and fans”.

Brave 23: Pride and Honor marks the return of the fastest-rising MMA promotion to Jordan. The historical fight card will feature three title fights, plus the return to competition of local hero and pioneer Hashem Arkhagha, as well as the promotional