Mounir Lazzez, Eldar Eldarov (© Brave Combat Federation)

It was at “Brave 23: Pride and Honor” where Mounir “The Sniper” Lazzez, 31, of Tunisia lost his undefeated professional mixed martial arts record. Had he won, he would have been the first ever super lightweight world champion of Bahrain-based MMA promotion Brave Combat Federation.

Dagestani MMA veteran Eldar “Khan” Eldarov, 27, was the one who was crowned the inaugural Brave Combat Federation Super Lightweight Champion at “Brave 23: Pride and Honor.” He represented Bahrain where he is currently based.

Held at the Martyr Rashid Al-Ziyoud Hall Boxing Arena in Amman, Jordan on April 19, 2019, “Brave 23: Pride and Honor” was a historic event in itself with several knockouts and the emergence of new stars. One of the fights on the card had a special meaning as Eldarov and Lazzez battled for the first-ever super lightweight world championship in MMA history.

Eldarov emerged victorious in a back-and-forth war, beating the previously unbeaten Lazzez by decision. But “The Sniper” wants to run it back.

In a lengthy statement after his first-ever defeat, Mounir congratulated his foe on the victory but called for an immediate rematch to take place, as he felt their fight was a close call.

“Unfortunately, the fight didn’t go my way, it was a hard, close battle and my opponent Eldar Eldarov edged it in the final round with the takedown. I want to congratulate him for winning and thank him for bringing it to the cage. This is a new weight class and in the Brave organization so I think it’s right that we have a rematch. I feel the fight was close and we need a clear winner”, said Mounir.

The new champion Eldar Eldarov made sure to send his best wishes to his opponent and, responding to Mounir’s own Instagram post, said he would be ready and waiting for a rematch between the two.

“I wish you a fast recovery and I will be ready and waiting for you anytime. Ask Brave Combat Federation to provide us with a ready dance stage”, commented Eldarov.

Brave 23: Pride and Honor was the biggest event in promotional history, and saw the rise of three new champions. Apart from Eldarov, Luan “Miau” Santiago snatched the Lightweight title from Abdul-Kareem Al-Selwady with a vicious first-round KO, and Abdoul Abdouraguimov edged former Welterweight titleholder Jarrah Al-Selawe to become the new divisional king.

Here is Lazzez prior to the “Brave 23: Pride and Honor” fight night: