Omar Solomanov, 33, of Odessa, Ukraine is the reigning interim featherweight world champion of BRAVE Combat Federation, which is based in Seef, Bahrain. His next bout will be in Almaty, Kazakhstan.
“BRAVE CF 105”
BRAVE CF will hold its 105th event at the Baluan Sholak Sports Palace in Almaty on May 31, 2026. It is the promotion’s fourth event held in Kazakhstan since its inaugural visit in 2017, underscoring the country’s vital role in the organization’s international expansion.
“BRAVE CF 105” is organized in partnership with the Alash Pride League. Following the success of “BRAVE CF 103” in Uzbekistan, this upcoming extravaganza aims to further bridge the gap between regional excellence and the global stage.
The complete “BRAVE CF 105” card has yet to be announced. Dias “Son of the Steppes” Yerengaipov and Rauan “Shymyr” Bekbolat are among the hometown fighters expected to compete.
Omar Solomanov vs Nicholas Hwende
Headlining “BRAVE CF 105” is a pivotal main event that promises to redefine the featherweight division. Solomanov will face off against former BRAVE CF bantamweight titleholder Nicholas Hwende, 30, of Zimbabwe and South Africa for the vacant, undisputed 145-pound crown.
For Solomanov, this bout is the ultimate culmination of a grueling, experience-driven journey. The Ukrainian standout solidified his position at the top of the division in September 2025 at “BRAVE CF 98” where he captured the interim title via a dominant five-round, unanimous decision victory over local rival Rauan Bekbolat.
Now holding an impressive 14-3 professional record—boasting eight knockouts and three submissions—Solomanov has won five of his last six bouts using a signature blend of calculated aggression, surgical precision and cool composure under pressure. Rather than viewing this fight as just another accolade, he sees it as a definitive moment of validation. He is driven by a desire to shed his interim status and establish absolute clarity at the top of the weight class.
“Every fight at this level strips away illusion,” Solomanov stated. “I have carried the interim designation long enough. On May 31, I intend to leave no ambiguity and take my place as the true champion of this division. I have proven myself repeatedly against elite opposition. I am here to erase any perception that I am anything less than the man who rules this division.”
Mohammed Shahid
The significance of the event extends far beyond the main event. BRAVE CF president Mohammed Shahid emphasized the organization’s deep enthusiasm for returning to a nation with such a rich martial arts heritage.
“Returning to Kazakhstan is something we are truly excited about,” Shahid said. “This country has consistently produced elite-level mixed martial artists with incredible potential. Our goal is to continue exploring that talent pool and provide a platform where deserving athletes can shine and establish themselves on the global stage. Kazakhstan remains a key destination in our vision for the sport.”
