Srinagar, Aug 1: Jammu and Kashmir's rising mixed martial arts (MMA) star Owais Yaqoob is set for the biggest test of his professional career as he takes on unbeaten Bulgarian fighter Delyan Georgiev at BRAVE Combat Federation 107 in Burgas, Bulgaria, on Saturday night.

The 68-kg catchweight bout at Arena Burgas pits the Pulwama-born fighter against one of Europe's most promising MMA prospects. Georgiev enters the contest with an unbeaten 3-0 professional record and is a two-time IMMAF World Champion, making it one of the toughest challenges of Owais' career.

Hailing from Murran village in Pulwama, the 27-year-old has established himself as one of India's fastest-rising MMA fighters through consistent performances on both domestic and international circuits.

Owais carries an impressive 5-1 professional record into the fight and is currently on a five-fight winning streak. Known for his aggressive style and finishing ability, he has secured several first-round stoppage victories under the BRAVE Combat Federation banner.

His outstanding performances earned him the BRAVE CF Breakout Fighter of the Year 2025 award, cementing his reputation as one of India's top emerging MMA talents.

The contest also brings together two elite MMA training systems. Georgiev represents Team Topuria, home to UFC featherweight champion Ilia Topuria, while Owais trains with Team Khabib at the renowned American Kickboxing Academy under the system developed by former UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov.

Expressing confidence ahead of the bout, Owais said he has prepared rigorously and is determined to deliver his best performance.

"I have trained extremely hard for this fight. My goal is to dominate inside the cage. Representing Jammu and Kashmir and India on the international stage is a matter of immense pride, and I hope to make everyone back home proud," he said.

A victory over the undefeated Bulgarian would mark one of the biggest international wins by an Indian MMA fighter in recent years and significantly strengthen Owais Yaqoob's standing on the global MMA circuit, opening the door to bigger opportunities in BRAVE Combat Federation and beyond.