Wheeler aims Middleweight title shot after Brave 20

American wrestler Sidney Wheeler will be making his Middleweight debut for Brave Combat Federation in the biggest stage possible: he will be one half of Brave 20’s main event, set for Hyderabad, India, this Saturday (22), as he takes on fellow top prospect Khamzat Chimaev. And “The Kid” is ready to put his weight troubles behind as he moves on to a new division and hopes to become the first-ever Brave Middleweight world champion.

Wheeler has admitted the cut to Welterweight was becoming too taxing for him and claims he’s about to show the world a new and improved version of himself after making the jump up to Middleweight. “I had a horrible time making 170lbs, that’s the truth. I have no business fighting at Welterweight, I’m too big. I walk around at 205lbs so the cut to Middleweight is perfect for me. You guys are going to see a faster and stronger Sidney Wheeler in there.

I hope this leads me to fight for the Middleweight title soon. That’s my short-term goal right now” says the wrestler. Sidney was supposed to fight Leon Aliu at Brave 20, but the Italian had to pull out due to injury, making way for Chimaev to move up from Welterweight. And Wheeler is adamant that the change doesn’t interfere with his game plan. “Injuries are part of the game. I’ve had opponents changed before.

Props to Khamzat for taking this fight. He’s a wonderful fighter and I hope he’s in shape, as I know he took this on short notice. The game plan doesn’t change. I’m going in there to win and to make a statement and that’s what I plan on doing”. Brave 20 takes place at the Gachobowli Indoor Stadium, in Hyderabad, and marks the second time Brave Combat Federation has landed in India. Less than a week after Brave 20, the promotion moves on to Saudi Arabia, where it will hold Brave 21, the year’s ending show.