Philstar.com
September 9, 2025 | 10:41am
MANILA, Philippines — Courageous Fight Federation returns to China for the third time on Friday, September 19, and a younger Filipino expertise will step onto the worldwide stage with an opportunity to make a long-lasting impression.
Hailing from Daraga, Albay, undefeated light-weight prospect Ian Paul “Choco” Lora (3-0) will make his promotional debut on the supporting card of Courageous CF 98, squaring off in opposition to India’s Owais Yaqoob (3-1) in a three-round showdown at Henan TV Studio 8 in Zhengzhou.
At 20 years outdated, Lora has already turned heads within the native MMA scene. Recognized for his ending instincts, he has notched one win by knockout and one other by submission. His most talked-about victory got here final Might when he delivered a lightning-fast, nine-second knockout of Philippine-based Virgin Islander Lolo Cruz with a crushing left hook — a spotlight that put him firmly on the radar of Filipino combat followers.
Representing Lion’s Den MMA Academy, a well-respected camp within the Bicol area, Lora now seems to be to deliver that very same firepower to the Courageous CF cage.
Standing in his method is Yaqoob, who additionally makes his Courageous CF debut. The Indian fighter carries a 3-1 slate and rides a three-fight win streak, capped by a second-round TKO this previous April. His momentum makes him a stern check for the Filipino newcomer.
For Lora, nonetheless, the stakes couldn’t be larger. A decisive victory couldn’t solely validate his promising fame but in addition open the door to larger alternatives inside the fastest-growing and most world MMA group.
The upcoming reside occasion in Zhengzhou underscores BRAVE CF’s rising dedication to showcasing Filipino athletes, following the signing of Drex “T-Rex” Zamboanga earlier this 12 months.
The cardboard can be headlined by a extremely anticipated rematch, as Ukraine’s No. 1 contender Omar Solomanov takes on Kazakhstan’s No. 2-ranked Rauan “Shymyr” Bekbolat for the Courageous CF interim featherweight world title.
Filipino followers can catch the nine-bout card reside through watch.bravecftv.com beginning at 8:30 p.m. (native time).