SBG Ireland’s Richie Smullen is planning to take over the BRAVE CF Featherweight and Lightweight divisions starting with BRAVE CF 89.
One of the top names in Irish MMA Richie Smullen is set to make his BRAVE CF debut at BRAVE CF 89 in Spain, where he will face Jose Sanchez in the co-main event.
Smullen enters the fight on a strong three-fight winning streak and aims to make his mark in both the Featherweight and Lightweight divisions of BRAVE Combat Federation.
A longtime teammate of Conor McGregor, Smullen began his MMA career over a decade ago under the guidance of the legendary John Kavanagh. During his Amateur run, he defeated top Irish fighters like Nathan Kelly and Paul Hughes and after transitioning into the professional circuit Smullen became a two-division champion in regional promotions, representing Ireland around the world.
However, the COVID-19 pandemic halted his global success, forcing him to return to Ireland, where he secured three consecutive finishes, setting the stage for his BRAVE CF 89 fight. Now returning to the global stage with BRAVE CF, Smullen seeks the biggest win of his career.
With 10 of his 13 victories coming by finish—split between five submissions and five stoppages—Smullen is known for being a dangerous fighter who always entertains the fans. Though his upcoming bout with Sanchez is at Lightweight, Smullen has proven championship calibre in both divisions.
The stacked Featherweight and Lightweight divisions of BRAVE CF offer Smullen top-tier competition, but first, he must overcome Spanish veteran Sanchez, who will fight in front of his home crowd.
BRAVE CF 89 will take place on October 19 at Pabellón Santiago Martín in Tenerife, Spain, in partnership with Fight2One, concluding BRAVE CF’s “Around the World in 70 Days” tour, which included events in China, Pakistan, Bulgaria, the Netherlands, and Slovenia.