Pulwama Fighter Owais Yaqoob Secures Historic Mixed Martial Arts Championship
Owais Yaqoob has become the first MMA champion from Pulwama after defeating an unbeaten world title holder at Brave CF 107. The victory marks a significant shift in the region's sporting history and elevates Yaqoob to a 6-1 professional record.
Key takeaways
- Owais Yaqoob defeated an undefeated two-time IMMAF World Champion at Brave CF 107 on August 2, 2026.
- The Pulwama native secured the victory within four minutes of the first round using a clinical striking display.
- Yaqoob's professional MMA record has improved to 6-1 following three straight wins with the BRAVE Combat Federation.
- Chief Minister Omar Abdullah officially recognized the win as a historic milestone for Jammu & Kashmir sports.

A Clinical Finish in Bulgaria
In a dominant display of technical precision and physical power, 28-year-old Owais Yaqoob secured a career-defining victory at Brave Combat Federation 107 on Sunday, August 2, 2026. The athlete from Murran village in Pulwama took just four minutes of the opening round to dismantle his opponent, the Bulgarian fighter Georgiev. By ending the bout through a sequence of clinical strikes, Yaqoob handed the two-time IMMAF World Champion his first defeat.
This win improves Yaqoob's professional standing to a 6-1 record. It also represents his third consecutive triumph under the BRAVE Combat Federation banner, solidifying his status as a rising force in the international circuit.
From Local Debuts to International Arenas
Yaqoob’s journey to the championship began in earnest with his professional debut at Matrix Fight Night 11 in 2023. His rise since that initial entry has been consistent, marked by several high-stakes victories including:
- A win against Azim Mokhlis at Matrix Fight Night 14.
- A 2024 victory over Amanzhol Khaisa at Naiza FC 70 in Semey, Kazakhstan.
- The recent conquest of the previously undefeated Georgiev in Bulgaria.
Regional Impact and Political Recognition
The achievement has resonated across Jammu & Kashmir, a region previously known more for its volatility than its professional combat sports pedigree. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah publicly recognized the feat, framing Yaqoob’s success at Brave CF 107 as a milestone for the nation. Abdullah noted that this performance serves as a blueprint for young athletes in the territory, proving that local talent can command excellence on a global stage.
Social media platforms saw a surge of support for the fighter, with netizens highlighting his aggressive stance and robust physical conditioning as the primary drivers of his recent success.
Source: The Hindu — Sport
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