Mohamed Said Maalem vs Erko Jun @ BRAVE CF 106
Mohamed Said Maalem capped off a storybook night at BRAVE CF 106 with a dramatic fourth-round technical knockout, successfully dethroning Erko “The Bounty Hunter” Jun to claim the BRAVE CF Light Heavyweight World Championship in their co-main event rematch.
Stage Set for a Rematch
This highly anticipated rematch at the Hala Tivoli arena was personal. Maalem was out for revenge after Jun had defeated him by first-round knockout in their first meeting at BRAVE CF 81. The champion, Jun, aimed for another successful defense, while Maalem was determined to capture the belt that had previously eluded him.
A Tale of Two Halves
The bout unfolded as a true clash of styles, with the momentum shifting decisively between the two rounds:
- Maalem Absorbs Early Pressure (Rounds 1-2): Jun stormed out of the gate with visible aggression, utilizing his Muay Thai expertise to chop away at Maalem’s legs with powerful low kicks and attack the body with spinning strikes. Maalem weathered the initial storm, absorbing the champion’s best shots while remaining composed and searching for his opening.
- The Shift in Momentum (Round 3): Showing championship grit, Maalem began imposing his own will. He secured a crucial takedown, and from top control, his relentless pressure began to visibly drain the defending champion. It was a clear signal that the tide of the fight was turning.
A New Champion is Crowned
By the fourth round, the strategy had paid off, and the fight concluded in spectacular fashion:
- The Final Blow: Maalem pressed forward and landed a stunning shot that wobbled the visibly fatigued Jun, sending him backward toward the cage.
- The Finish: Rather than letting the champion recover, Maalem immediately followed him to the canvas. Securing a dominant top position, he unloaded a devastating barrage of ground-and-pound strikes until the referee was forced to intervene.
- The Official Result: The official stoppage came at 2:19 of Round 4, crowning Mohamed Said Maalem as the new BRAVE CF Light Heavyweight World Champion.
Aftermath: A Rivalry Reignited
The victory was monumental, but Maalem’s post-fight interview sparked an equally significant moment. He immediately called out his other long-time adversary, Mohammad Fakhreddine, a three-time middleweight champion with whom he shares a controversial history. This feud stems from a title fight that was controversially overturned to a no-contest, and a rematch Fakhreddine later won. By instantly igniting the call for a trilogy, Maalem ensured his title reign would be accompanied by one of the most heated narratives in the promotion’s history.