BRAVE CF 104 sets Belgrade on fire with 12 exciting bouts to open 2026

Belgrade, Serbia — BRAVE Combat Federation kicked off 2026 emphatically with BRAVE CF 104 on Saturday, February 14, in collaboration with the Serbian MMA Federation.

Held at the iconic Aleksandar Nikolić Hall, the event featured twelve action-packed fights, most of which ended decisively and set an electric tone for the upcoming promotional campaign.

Palhano silences the crowd during the Main Event

In the main fight, Brazilian veteran Luciano Palhano stormed into hostile territory to spoil the Serbian super welterweight’s highly anticipated promotional debut Nikola Joksovic.

From the opening bell, Palhano asserted dominance with seamless takedowns, punishing ground-and-pound and constant submission threats that silenced the partisan crowd in Belgrade. After three impressive rounds that showcased his mastery of wrestling, Palhano earned a clear unanimous decision victory on the scorecards (30-26, 30-27, 30-25).

Miha Frlic stakes heavyweight claim

In the co-main event number 2 heavyweight contender Miha Frilic made a thunderous declaration, dismantling Italy Samuele “Tank” Di Guardo within a round.

The undefeated Slovenian delivered a crushing right cross to Di Guardo before unleashing a brutal barrage of ground strikes and elbows, forcing the referee to stop the match at 3:55 of the opening frame. With the emphatic TKO, Frlic strengthened his case for a chance at division gold.

Champion Nikolić delivers Walk-Off Knockout

Reigning BRAVE CF bantamweight world champion Borislav Nikolic treated his home fans to a spectacular finish in a 64kg catchweight clash against Portugal’s Matheus Malta.

After surviving early takedown attempts, Nikolić found his rhythm and unleashed a barrage of boxing combinations that culminated in a stunning walk-off knockout at 3:22 of the second round, sending the Serbian faithful into celebration.

Gitinov makes possible a revival in war

Top lightweight contender Ramazan Gitinov overcame a tough challenge Artur Harutyunyan in a closely contested three-round fight.

Despite Gitinov’s early wrestling success, Arutyunyan made a strong comeback with effective body work. In the closing moments, Gitinov regained control and threatened with a back-naked choke, eventually earning a split-decision victory (29-28, 28-29, 29-28).

Serbian heavyweights shine

Belgrade erupted when the hometown was heavyweight Like Jovan delivered a spectacular debut against Great Britain Charlie ‘Kung Fu Panda’ Milner. Leka dropped Milner with a lightning left hook before securing an arm-triangle choke submission at 2:36 of the first round.

Meanwhile, Georgian powerhouse Genadi Jorjoliani shocked the crowd by stopping the previously undefeated heavyweight Danylo Voyevodkin via TKO at 4:15 of the first round.

Statement performances all over the map

• Davlet Karataev earned his first BRAVE CF win, retiring in sixth place Jan Brush via TKO in the first round in a 170 lb. (77.6 kg) catchweight bout.
• Serbian highlight Nina Nikolija “Queen Beast” Milošević dominated that of Egypt Dina “Black Cat” Osmansecuring a unanimous decision (30-26 x3) in their women’s bantamweight match.
• Undefeated prospect Ognjen Micovic that of Romania Lucian ‘calf killer’ Dragomir with a smooth anaconda choke in just 1:51.
• Bahrain Kurban Idrisov impressed in his promotional debut, finishing Artem Buloychik via TKO after a flying knee and follow-up strikes.
• Decorated kickboxer Nikola Todorovic showed off his evolving MMA skills by submitting Constantine Cretu with a first round guillotine choke.
• Poland Kinga Jendrasik India’s surpassed Suchika Tariyal in a competitive battle to win a unanimous decision (29-28 x3).

• Luciano Palhano Certainly. Nikola Joksović via unanimous decision (30-26, 30-27, 30-25)
• Miha Frilic Certainly. Samuele Di Guardo via TKO at 3:55 of the first round
• Borislav Nikolic Certainly. Matheus Malta via TKO at 3:22 of round two
• Ramazan Gitinov Certainly. Artur Arutyunyan via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
• Like Jovan Certainly. Charlie Milner via submission (arm-triangle choke) at 2:36 of the first round
• Davlet Karataev Certainly. Jan Berus via TKO at 4:49 of round one
• Nina Nikolija Milosevic Certainly. Dina Osman via unanimous decision (30-26×3)
• Genadi Jorjoliani Certainly. Danylo Voievodkin via TKO at 4:15 of the first round
• Ognjen Micovic Certainly. Lucian Dragomir via submission (anaconda choke) at 1:51 of the first round
• Kurban Idrisov Certainly. Artem Buloychik via TKO at 2:11 of the first round
• Nikola Todorovic Certainly. Constantin Cretu via submission (guillotine choke) at 1:18 of the first round
• Kinga Jendrasik Certainly. Suchika Tariyal via unanimous decision (29-28 x3)

A statement from start until 2026

With a mix of highlights, breakout performances and a triumphant homecoming for the reigning world champion, the BRAVE CF 104 delivered a resounding statement to open the year.

The evening in Belgrade reinforced BRAVE CF’s continued expansion across Europe as it spotlighted rising stars and established players eager to shape the global MMA landscape in 2026.

Roberto Villa is the CEO, founder, executive writer and senior editor of FightBook MMA. Has a passion for martial arts and is also a podcast host for Sitting Ringside. He is also a former MMA fighter and kickboxer. He is also the chief photographer of the 4CornersMafia Car Club.