Mumbai: The first ever Brave Combat Federation's Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) fight will take place at the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Indoor Stadium here on April 23.

Owned by Bahrain's Sheikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the event will see the likes of Hardeep Rai, Abdul Muneer, Gurdarshan Mangat, Mohammad Farhad, Chaitanya Gavali, Bharat Khandare, Govind Ale, Nelson Paes and Atif Mohammad, vying for the top honours.

These athletes were the first to represent India in international events in Bahrain, Brazil and Abu Dhabi as a part of the Brave Combat Federation.

Brave Combat Federation president Mohammed Shahid said: "We view this event as the next step towards strengthening diplomatic, cultural and economic ties between India and Bahrain. We are excited to kick off our 2017 India event calendar with the event in Mumbai."

"Our event in India will be the perfect way to pay tribute to the great nation of India and honour the spirit of Mumbai. Indian athletes had been making their presence felt in various combat sports on the international level.

"It is time for India to go for glory. India is the emerging market in our strategy. Focusing on the Indian market is key to grow the brand and the sport of MMA in the Asean region," he added.