Eldar Eldarov (©BRAVE Combat Federation)

Eldar Eldarov, 29, of Bahrain and Russia is the inaugural super lightweight world champion of Bahrain-based mixed martial arts promotion BRAVE Combat Federation. He had his first successful title defense by knocking out Leonardo “Macarrão” Mafra Texeira, 31, of Brazil at “BRAVE CF 46” at the WOW Arena in Sochi, Russia on January 16, 2021.

On January 29, 2021, Eldarov’s achievement was recognized by Magomed Magomedov, the sports minister of Dagestan, Russia. The latter welcomed the Bahrain-based Russian MMA fighter in his office to congratulate him on representing Dagestan on an international stage.

During the meeting with Eldarov, Magomedov expressed his gratitude for the values that the champion represents. The sports minister said the BRAVE CF champion was ’the pride of Dagestan alongside other MMA superstars, such as Khabib “The Eagle” Nurmagomedov, 32, and late coach Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov.

“’The image of the Republic of Dagestan depends on the behavior of its people,” Magomedov said. “Wherever we are, if we behave bravely, honestly, with dignity, openly, then people will have such an opinion about the republic itself.”

“I am very pleased to congratulate you on your victory today,” Magomedov told Eldarov. “We consider you the pride of our republic. The same pride as Khabib Nurmagomedov, your coach Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov and what pleases me most of all it’s not your sporting achievements but your upbringing, your patriotism, spiritual and moral qualities, the example that you set for young people. Becoming an Olympic champion or world champion is not the most important thing.”

“The most important thing is to become a good person,” Magomedov continued. “I have heard many positive reviews about you as a person. Therefore, we are very pleased to set you as an example for the youth of Dagestan and Russia. Thank you very much that you are with us.”

Competing professionally since 2009, Eldarov made his BRAVE CF debut in 2016. He holds a professional MMA record of 13 wins and 1 loss.

The only professional MMA opponent Eldarov lost to was Khabib. The former UFC Lightweight Champion knocked out the reigning BRAVE CF Super Lightweight World Champion at “Tsumada FC 3” on August 8, 2009.