Owais Yaqoob, a professional mixed martial artist from Murran village in Pulwama, has become one of India’s fastest-rising combat sports names. His latest breakthrough came at BRAVE CF 107 in Burgas, Bulgaria, on 1 August 2026, where he stopped previously unbeaten Bulgarian Delyan Georgiev in the first round. The result pushed Yaqoob’s professional record to 6-1 and extended his winning run to six bouts. More than another victory, it placed a fighter from South Kashmir at the centre of an international MMA story involving Team Khabib, Team Topuria and India’s growing ambitions in the sport.
What Happened At BRAVE CF 107?
Yaqoob entered as the visiting fighter against Georgiev, a two-time IMMAF world champion competing before home supporters. Georgiev was promoted as a training partner of UFC star Ilia Topuria, while Yaqoob arrived from the camp linked with Khabib Nurmagomedov. That background turned the 68 kg contest into one of the card’s most discussed supporting bouts.
The Pulwama fighter stayed composed, pressed forward and finished Georgiev with punches at 4:00 of the opening round. The updated Sherdog fight record lists the result as a first-round TKO, giving Yaqoob four stoppage wins among six professional victories.
Key highlights from the fight and his current run include:
- Yaqoob defeated Delyan Georgiev by first-round TKO in Bulgaria.
- The victory took his professional MMA record to 6 wins and 1 loss.
- Georgiev entered unbeaten and had won 2 IMMAF world titles.
- Yaqoob has recorded 3 straight first-round finishes under BRAVE CF.
- The win strengthened his case as one of India’s leading lightweight prospects.
From Murran Village To Professional MMA
Born in 1998, Yaqoob grew up in Murran, near Pulwama town. His martial arts journey began around 2012-13 through taekwondo, kickboxing and other combat disciplines. Before professional MMA, he collected national medals, won state titles and represented India at the 2022 WEKAF World Championship in the Philippines, securing a bronze medal in Eskrima.
The official BRAVE CF feature on his Kashmir journey says he won 11 national gold medals, 6 silver medals and 17 state-level titles before turning professional in 2023. It also identifies him as the first professional mixed martial artist from Kashmir to enter the BRAVE CF cage.
Away from competition, Yaqoob founded the Lion’s Den Martial Arts Academy in Pulwama. The academy has trained more than 200 young athletes, giving local fighters a route into fitness, striking and cage competition without immediately leaving the region.
How A Debut Loss Changed His Career
Yaqoob lost his professional debut to Neeraj Panghal by third-round guillotine choke at Matrix Fight Night 11 in March 2023. He responded by travelling to Dagestan and strengthening his wrestling, takedown control and ground defence. The change appeared in his results. He defeated Azim Mokhlis in India, Amanzhol Khaisa in Kazakhstan and Shetty Pratik Sadashiv before joining BRAVE CF.
Why Owais Yaqoob’s Rise Is Historic For India
Yaqoob’s BRAVE CF run began with a first-round stoppage of Ian Paul Lora in China in September 2025. Three months later, he stopped Mehmet Can Tasdoven in the opening round. BRAVE CF later named him its 2025 Breakout Fighter of the Year before matching him with Georgiev. The promotion’s official BRAVE CF 107 announcement described him as its No. 5-ranked lightweight contender entering the contest.
His latest victory drew praise from Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, who called it a proud moment for the region and India. The official Chief Minister’s Office post on X congratulated Yaqoob after he defeated the unbeaten two-time world champion.
For Indian MMA, the bigger point is visibility. Yaqoob is winning outside India, finishing opponents and carrying a clear regional identity onto international cards. His journey shows young fighters from smaller towns that elite camps and major promotions are not closed doors.
What Comes Next For Owais Yaqoob?
Yaqoob has spoken about reaching the UFC, but the immediate route will likely involve stronger BRAVE CF opposition and a climb towards a lightweight title opportunity. With a 6-1 record, six consecutive wins and three straight BRAVE CF stoppages, his next booking may reveal how quickly the promotion plans to move him towards its leading contenders.
FAQs
Who is Owais Yaqoob?
Owais Yaqoob is a professional Indian MMA fighter from Murran village in Pulwama district today.
What is Owais Yaqoob’s MMA record?
His professional record stands at 6 wins and 1 loss after BRAVE CF 107.
Whom did Owais Yaqoob defeat in Bulgaria?
He defeated unbeaten Bulgarian fighter Delyan Georgiev through a first-round technical knockout in Burgas Arena.
Does Owais Yaqoob train with Khabib Nurmagomedov’s team?
Yes, he has trained within Team Khabib’s elite MMA environment alongside leading international fighters regularly.
What is Owais Yaqoob’s main career goal?
His long-term target is earning a UFC contract and representing India at the highest level.
