MMA – After watching mixed martial arts (MMA) break new ground across 38 countries, BRAVE CF hall of famer Carlos ‘The Roaring Lion’ Kremer believes Owais Yaqoob is writing the next chapter in the sport.
Fresh off Yaqoob’s first-round technical knockout victory over hometown hero Delyan Georgiev in a 68kg catchweight bout at BRAVE CF 107 in Burgas, Bulgaria last Saturday, Kremer hailed the Indian rising star as a symbol of his country’s emergence on the international MMA scene.
From the opening bell, the 28-year-old controlled the action with relentless forward pressure and sharp combinations, never allowing Georgiev to establish his rhythm.
The sustained assault prompted the referee to stop the contest at the four-minute mark of the opening round, extending Yaqoob’s impressive run in BRAVE CF.
Riding the momentum of the victory, the Team Khabib representative wasted little time setting his sights even higher, calling out reigning BRAVE CF lightweight world champion Abdisalam ‘Omok’ Uulu Kubanychbek and making it clear he believes he is ready to challenge for the division’s top prize.
“Owais continues to show why so many people are paying attention to Indian MMA,” Kremer said after the event.
“Every performance is another step forward, not just for him, but for the sport in India.”
Coming from the first inductee into the BRAVE CF hall of fame and the most travelled cage announcer in MMA history, the praise carries added significance.
Few have witnessed the sport’s expansion into new markets as closely as Kremer, giving him a unique perspective on the athletes driving its growth.
Yaqoob’s rise has mirrored that evolution.
Training under the tutelage of the legendary Khabib ‘The Eagle’ Nurmagomedov, the Indian standout has built a reputation through disciplined wrestling, composed striking, and an unrelenting pace, attributes that have made him one of the country’s premier mixed martial artists.
“I’ve had the privilege of announcing fighters from every corner of the world, and Owais has all the qualities of someone who can inspire the next wave,” Kremer added.
“He’s not just winning fights. He’s showing what’s possible for Indian MMA.”
Kremer also recognised Yaqoob’s growing influence beyond the cage, congratulating him for surpassing one million followers on Instagram and acknowledging his place atop India’s 2026 national MMA rankings.
For Kremer, those milestones are part of a bigger picture. Yaqoob is no longer simply collecting victories.
He is helping elevate Indian MMA’s profile and proving the nation’s athletes belong among the sport’s elite.