BRAVE Combat Federation (BRAVE CF), widely regarded as one of the fastest-growing global mixed martial arts promotions, is set to return to Italy this spring with another exciting edition of its ROAD TO BRAVE series.
The highly anticipated event takes place Saturday, May 2, at the Auditorium Theatre Concordia in Pordenone and will feature a stacked international lineup of fighters looking to earn opportunities on the BRAVE CF global stage.
Organized in collaboration with Power Nation Fighting Championship, the event builds on the overwhelming success of previous ROAD TO BRAVE editions held in 2024 and 2025, both of which sold out and showcased rising talent from across Europe, Africa, and Asia.
With a deeper roster and higher stakes this year, the 2026 installment promises another night of high-level MMA action.
Murug vs. Riahi Headlines Welterweight Main Event
The main event features Moldovan veteran Andrian Murug, also known as “The Lion,” taking on Tunisian standout Saif Eddin Riahi in a compelling welterweight matchup.
Murug brings valuable BRAVE CF experience into the contest, while Riahi enters as a dangerous champion from Tunisia eager to make his mark on the global promotion.
Both fighters will be looking to impress BRAVE CF officials and potentially earn a spot on one of the promotion’s major international cards.
Co-Main Event Features Italy vs Senegal Clash
In the co-main event, Italian contender Cristian Brinzan meets Senegalese wrestling specialist Sane Nithiya in another welterweight showdown.
The fight pits Brinzan’s well-rounded MMA skillset against the relentless grappling pressure of Nithiya, making it one of the most intriguing stylistic battles on the card.
Meanwhile, Italian strawweight champion Riccardo Pala will square off against Tunisia’s Laabidi Bechir in a pivotal bout that could have major implications for the regional rankings.
Rising Stars Highlight Diverse Fight Card
The event also features a mix of striking specialists, grapplers, and rising international prospects.
Italian fighters Maya De Luca and Mara Brunello will collide in a bout with significant implications for BRAVE CF’s women’s rankings.
Elsewhere, Muay Thai specialist Tiziano Casalino faces Piersanto Paderno in a welterweight contest expected to deliver striking fireworks.
India’s Anuj Dejat will test his wrestling against the striking skills of Ala Ben Whida in a lightweight matchup.
Meanwhile, former judo champions Daniele De Luca and Massimiliano Pedrini will meet in a middleweight clash of grappling specialists.
Amateur Prospects Showcase the Future of MMA
The event will also highlight two amateur bouts featuring emerging talent.
IMMAF Junior Middleweight World Champion Daniel Bucur faces Slovenian kickboxing champion Jovic Petar in a light heavyweight matchup.
In another amateur showdown, Ukrainian prospect Hiorhii Dudka takes on Tunisian amateur champion Ajili Mohamed Amine in the lightweight division.
BRAVE CF Expands Its European Footprint
By 2025, BRAVE Combat Federation had established itself as the most hosted MMA organization in Europe, staging events across 17 different nations as part of its ambitious “Year of the BRAVE” expansion campaign.
The Bahrain-based promotion debuted in Switzerland with BRAVE CF 94 in Geneva before returning to Spain for BRAVE CF 95 in Tenerife. Additional events were staged in Eastern Europe, including Bulgaria, Slovenia, and a historic show in Tbilisi, Georgia that bridged the gap between European and Asian MMA markets.
Today, BRAVE CF’s European presence spans major regions including England, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Sweden, Northern Ireland, and Switzerland in the west and north, as well as Austria, Italy, Slovenia, and Spain in central and southern Europe.
With its return to Italy, the organization continues its mission to provide a global platform for elite fighters while expanding mixed martial arts across new markets.
Location: Pordenone
Venue: Auditorium Theatre Concordia
Date: Saturday, May 2
Welterweight
Andrian Murug vs Saif Eddin Riahi
Welterweight
Cristian Brinzan vs Sane Nithiya
Strawweight
Riccardo Pala vs Laabidi Bechir
Women’s Bantamweight
Maya De Luca vs Mara Brunello
Welterweight
Tiziano Casalino vs Piersanto Paderno
Lightweight
Anuj Dejat vs Ala Ben Whida
Middleweight
Daniele De Luca vs Massimiliano Pedrini
Light Heavyweight (Amateur)
Daniel Bucur vs Jovic Petar
Lightweight (Amateur)
Hiorhii Dudka vs Ajili Mohamed Amine
Note: Fight order subject to change.
Roberto Villa is the CEO, Founder, Executive Writer, and Senior Editor of FightBook MMA. Has a passion for Combat Sports and is also a podcast host for Sitting Ringside. He’s also a former MMA fighter and Kickboxer. He’s also the main photographer for the 4CornersMafia Car Club.
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