Interim lightweight champion Abdisalam Kubanychbek plans on kicking off Brave CF’s 2023 by unifying the promotion’s 155-pound title at Brave CF 69.

The Bahrain-based promotion returns to action as they round off Brave Serbia International Combat week with their first event of the year, and Kubanychbek is ready to play a starring role.

The interim champ will take on top contender Kamil Magomedov in the main event, and said he’s ready to use his striking to pick up the victory, and the unified title.

“Whether I fight three or five rounds, I’m always ready to be the last man standing and to have my arm raised,” he said.

“For this fight in particular, I am looking forward to keeping the fight in the stand-up and working from there.”

Kubanychbek possesses power in both hands, but is better known for his wrestling skills. Against Magomedov he’ll face a man with a legitimate submission arsenal, but the challenger also has some solid stand-up, courtesy of his taekwondo experience.

“If the Dagestani feels that he has the skill set to beat me, then he should show me at Brave CF 69 so that we can put on a show for all of Europe and the world to see,” said Kubanychbek.

“I have competed in many fights, but it does not get any better than this. Fighting at the biggest combat sports festival in European history. So I look forward to seeing what Kamil has to offer me. I know he has good tactics, so I will not step back. I sincerely hope he does not, too.”

Brave CF 69 will complete a packed week of mixed martial arts in Belgrade, Serbia. The pro-MMA show will follow hot on the heels of the IMMAF World Championships in the city.