#TFGinterview: Mohammed Farhad eyes title fight With Gurdarshan Mangat after Hamza Kooheji

ARGUABLY ONE OF THE MOST ICONIC names in Indian MMA at the moment, Mohammed Farhad will be looking to progress a step further when he faces Bahrain’s Hamza Kooheji at Brave Combat Federation’s Brave 9: Kingdom of Champions.

The high-profile bantamweight showdown has been making headlines for quite some time now. Both the fighters come into the fight riding on some good momentum and this is one of the reasons that makes the fight a must watch spectacle.

Farhad, who is currently training under Jitendra Khare of Team Relentless feels that this is a great opportunity for him to grab the spotlight once again.

Mohammed Farhad: It is a great opportunity to represent my nation at one of the best platforms in the region. I am well prepared and I am sure it will be a striker against a grappler. So I am well trained in my Jiu Jitsu, so that I can take the game to my opponent and beat him in his game when I get the chance. My striking skills have increased and that gives my opponents whoever it may be, zero chance on the ground or at stand-up.

One thing that many pointed out as an advantage for Hamza was the support that he would get from the fans in Bahrain but Farhad had a different view on the whole situation.

Mohammed Farhad: It's going to work against him because there will be a lot of pressure on him to win this fight, which he isn't going to.

While then home advantage was discussed about Hamza’s case, fans were buzzing about the records and TKO streak that Farhad held up.

Mohammed Farhad: As a fighter, the records don’t mean much to me. What matters most is the opportunity to represent India and Indian mixed martial arts at a global level. The records are a result of the style of fighting. It is also the result of team work, from those who I have learned and from the camp where I train. I am glad that I am the one Indian fighter to trains in India and represents the nation in a global level.

The fight marks the return for Farhad after a long gap of six months. And the gap was put to good use by the Mumbai-based fighter as he had enough time to get ready for the challenge that will be posed by Hamza.

Mohammed Farhad: It's a good 6 months gap by which I had a great time to get ready, last I fought in April. Speaking about Hamza, he is similar to me in many aspects. He represents Bahrain as the only Bahraini pro-MMA fighter and is the pride of Bahrain. Any athlete who steps into the cage deserves respect. This fight will be about who wants the victory more. I will leave no stone unturned and will unleash the best ever version of me against Hamza. I trust he will bring the best in him against me. He stands in the path of my dream about the championship title of Brave Combat Federation. I am sure that I will win over him with a TKO.

Apart from Farhad, three other Indian MMA fighters would be testing their skills at Brave 9. And one of them would feature the iconic India vs. Pakistan rivalry.

Mohammed Farhad: Atif Mohammad is close with Team Relentless and is one of the first MMA fighters to join KHK MMA. The India vs. Pakistan fight is one of the most talked about. Also it will be a great opportunity to see Elias defend his featherweight championship against Lucas Martins for the first time.

But another fight that would be of more interest to Farhad would be the Brave Bantamweight Championship fight between India’s Gurdarshan Mangat and Stephen Loman. And though Farhad was on the fence when it came to predicting the fight, he had a clear cut concept on what he wanted to get after his showdown with Hamza Kooheji.

Mohammed Farhad: [his prediction] The one who make it as a goal, the one who will work hard for the title, both belong to good team, let's wait for the day. I hope to fight for the championship title against Gurdarshan Mangat if he wins and want to represent India against Canada. I will make sure I will win the fight by TKO against Gary and bring the gold home.

While concluding the interview, Farhad had some high praise for the Indian MMA fans and about the progress that the sport has been making in the country over the years.

Mohammed Farhad: I love all the support I get by Indians MMA fans that helps me to push myself to another level, I am glad I am fighting Hamza, honored to fight the pride of Bahrain and which will end soon, this builds more confidence in me to step in Brave cage.

AIMMAF is playing a proactive role in redefining mixed martial arts. Aditya PS, the President of AIMMAF is approachable for fighters and has an amateur MMA background. Abdul Muneer is also playing a key role for the same with his vast experience. Years ago, most of the officials didn't even have an MMA background. One other factor that supported the growth of the sport and the transparency is the rise of media like The Fan Garage who proactively support Mixed Martial Arts in Asia.

Mohammed Farhad faces Bahrain’s Hamza Kooheji at Brave CF 9: Kingdom of Champions on November 17.

ALSO READ: Indian MMA: Four Things you should Know about Mohammad Farhad

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