Khandare, Awan engage in expletive-laden exchange, setting stage for India vs Pakistan 3

TDT | Manama

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The India vs. Pakistan rivalry is far from over in BRAVE Combat Federation, as India’s Bharat Khandare and Pakistan’s Aqib Awan were seen engaging in an expletive-laden exchange on social media. Bharat, who became the first Indian MMA fighter to compete on Pakistani soil when he took on Zia Mashwani at BRAVE CF 85 in Lahore, launched a series of attacks on Aqib Awan on Instagram, to which the Pakistani fighter also responded strongly.

“The win was a gift to you, but we are going to take it back,” Bharat noted in a voice message, which he shared with Aqib referring to Pakistani’s win at BRAVE CF 92. Aqib responded with a simple affirmation, adding that Bharat is living in some ‘Bollywood movie.’ After this, Aqib went on to ask his fans whether he should fight Bharat next or have a rematch with Ehtesham Ansari.

Aqib Awan secured a win over India’s Ehtesham Ansari at BRAVE CF 92 in Bahrain, and after the win, Aqib and Ehtesham engaged in a back-andforth on social media, with Ehtesham pushing for a rematch, citing an injury during their fight at BRAVE CF 92. The fight snapped Ehtesham’s sixfight winning streak, and his call for a rematch had gained attention from fans.

Now, the call-out from Bharat has also made headlines ahead of the third instalment of the India vs. Pakistan series in BRAVE Combat Federation, which is scheduled to take place in India. Aqib has expressed his willingness to move up to Bantamweight to fight Bharat, adding further intrigue to the situation. The first part of the India vs. Pakistan series in BRAVE Combat Federation took place in Pakistan at BRAVE CF 85, with the second part happening in Bahrain at BRAVE CF 92.

The rivalry has already gained worldwide attention and millions of impressions on social media. Now, the stage is set for the third instalment, which is scheduled to take place in India in 2025 amidst the ongoing social media exchanges between fighters from both nations.