Early Monday morning the official draw for the MMA Supercup first round matchups was held and aired by BRAVE Combat Federation.

Bahrain’s own iconic bodybuilder Sami Al Haddad joined the broadcast to pick out the opponents for the first two seeds, followed by former BRAVE fighter and current UFC fighter Muhammad Mokaev ready to make the draw for the final two match ups.

Here are the results.

• Team Russia vs. Team Ireland

The first matchup within the supercup tournament will feature a particular heated rivalry. For the past few years, Russian athletes and Irish athletes have competed in many of the sport’s largest organizations, sparking a special nation versus nation rivalry in a traditionally individual sport. Now, as MMA moves towards this national team format, it will be an even bigger feather in the cap for whoever can make it through this first round between team Russia and Team Ireland.

• Team Ukraine vs. Arab Champions

Entering the tournament qualifying for the tournament as the number two nation worldwide prior to this year’s world championships. This puts them at a good standing as one of the potential favorites in the tournament should there have been official odds made. However, as the first wild card team to be drawn, it will be up to Team Arab Champions to manifest the underdog story and prove themselves in the second matchup of the first round

• Team Kazakhstan vs. Balkan Champions

Kazakhstan has consistently cemented itself as one of the best nations within the IMMAF, having held a top 3 ranking for the past three years. With a total medal count of 67, they’ve established themselves as a powerhouse in the tournament, and even garnered the praise of the athlete making the draw Muhammad Mokaev who has fought Kazakhstani fighters throughout his IMMAF career. Likewise with the last draw pick, Team Balkan Champions was brought in as a wildcard entry, and like Arab Champions, the ball is in their court to do something amazing and take down the goliath which is Kazakhstan.

• Team Bahrain vs Team Tajikistan 

The tournament’s hometeam, which is a phrase unfamiliar in MMA, will be Team Bahrain. With a rich history for MMA competition and a deep love for the evolution of the sport, Team Bahrain will be gunning to make a statement in their own backyard aftering earning the most gold medals in the IMMAF 2021 senior championships. Standing in their way is Team Tajikistan, an always worthy opponent who is always dangerous. When asked who was the tougher challenge between the remaining teams (Tajikistan and the Balkans), Mokaev sternly replied Tajikistan, whether his analysis is correct will be seen in the final matchup of round 1.

The MMA Supercup will take place during BRAVE International Combat Week running March 7th to March 13th. The tournament itself will take place on March 9th, 10th and conclude on the 12th with the finals. For the full replay on the official draw ceremony check out BRAVE Combat Federations youtube channel where the livestream will be uploaded for late viewing afterwards.