Luan Santiago is the new lightweight champion of Brave Combat Federation following an incredibly violent knockout at Brave CF 23. Santiago was taking on then-titleholder Abdul-Kareem Al-Selwady when he landed a perfectly timed spinning elbow. The picture perfect elbow left Al-Selwady immediately crumbling to the mat and his face a bloody mess.
AD Sports took to social media to share the highlight of the stunning finish.
Check it out (h/t: Bloody Elbow):
لوان مياو سانتياجو يفوز بالضربة القاضية وتوج بلقب الوزن الخفيف..
بطولة #BRAVE23 لفنون القتال المختلطة #أبوظبي_الرياضية 4 pic.twitter.com/i1ciYWo0T2— قناة أبوظبي الرياضية (@ADSportsTV) April 19, 2019
The fight took place in Amman, Jordan on Friday, April 19. Al-Selwady was the local favorite entering the bout, but Santiago did not let the crowd support for his opponent get to his head.
“This fight I tried to not do so much trash talking as I normally do, due to the fact that I consider Al-Selwady to be a great competitor. It was the first time that I fought someone with such immense support. Practically all of Jordan supports him. I’d like everyone to give him a round of applause. I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for him, he’s done a great job with Brave,” Santiago said, as transcribed by Bloody Elbow.
“I always say that Bahrain (where Brave was founded) is my second home. And now I think I have a third home. From the moment I stepped in Jordan, everyone has been so nice and welcoming, and I’ve been blown away by the support you guys give your fighters. I would like to fight here one day again, but this time I will want you all behind me.”
With the win, Santiago advanced to 14-3 as a pro. The 24-year-old last lost in April 2018 to UFC veteran Lucas Martins.
