Eldar “Khan” Eldarov, 31, of Bahrain became the inaugural super lightweight champion of BRAVE Combat Federation on April 19, 2019. On January 16, 2021, he successfully defended his title from Leonardo “Macarrao” Mafra Texeira, 33, of Brazil.

After the first title defense, Eldarov has yet to fight again. One of his potential challengers is Mihail Cotruta, 32, of Moldova.

“Look, he is a champion,” Cotruta said of Eldarov. “He is a good guy. He is currently the best in his division now but he has not fought in almost two years.”

“This big pause is a problem,” Cotruta continued. “The next time he fights, this will be an issue for him as it’s not okay to be out so long.”

Cotruta will fight Luan “Miau” Santiago, 27, of Brazil in the co-main event of “BRAVE CF 60” in Isa Town, Bahrain on July 30, 2022 in the super lightweight division. The winner may become the next challenger of Eldarov.

“He is tough,” Cotruta said of Eldarov. “He is a wrestler. He goes forward all the time just like me. I like this about him.”

“Right now, we focus on Santiago,” the Moldovan MMA fighter continued. “I am pretty sure it will be a great fight. I believe it will be Fight of the Night. With God’s help, we get that win and after that, we go for that championship.”