Nkosi Ndebele lays down the challenge to Brave CF bantamweight division

Brave Combat Federation bantamweight champion Nkosi Ndebele has thrown down the challenge to the rest of the promotion’s 135-pound division, and may have found his next dance partner as a result.

Ndebele cemented his position as the top 135-pounder in Brave CF by securing the victory over former champion Jose “Shorty” Torres in their trilogy bout at Brave CF 82 in Mauritius, then took to Instagram in a bid to goad a contender to step out of the pack and challenge him for his crown.

In the video, Ndebele called out contenders Hamza Kooheji and Muhammad Idrisov as he called on one of them to step up and fight him for the title next.

“So, you’re all quiet now. Somebody say something. Who is next? Who is next?” Nkosi challenged.

Muhammad Idrisov responds to Nkosi Ndebele’s championship challenge

Ndebele got the response he wanted when Idrisov quickly responded to say he’d be ready to face the reigning bantamweight champion inside the Brave CF cage later this year.

“Right now, I like you. Let’s do it October or November,” Idrisov wrote while resharing Nkosi’s video.

Idrisov is looking to make an impact at 135 pounds after moving up from the flyweight division earlier this year. He was due to compete at 135 pounds at Brave CF 83 in Alkmaar, Netherlands, but a late change of opponent meant he ended up fighting in a catchweight contest against Zaka Fatullazade.

Undeterred by the late change of opponent, Idrisov put on a show of dominance as he claimed a first-round submission victory to improve his professional record to 9-1 and setting him up for a big bout at bantamweight in his next appearance.

And now, following Ndebele’s callout of the division, and Idrisov’s swift response, Brave CF matchmaker Sam Brett’s job would appear to be done for him, with an Ndebele-Idrisov title fight just two signatures away.

Nkosi Ndebele’s other options are on hold

The other man named by Ndebele, Kooheji, is looking to rest and recover following an injury sustained in 2022. He’s kept his MMA mind active during his enforced layoff through coaching and seminars, and will be looking to make a return, potentially later this year.

The other potential option for Ndebele is a move up to featherweight to challenge 145-pound champion Nemat Abdrashitov in a bid to become a two-weight world champion. However, despite calling out Abdrashitov in the immediate aftermath of his victory over Torres, it seems the South African star is content to remain at 135 pounds – for now.