With 14 wins and 10 knockouts, Serbian MMA superstar Aleksandar “Joker” Ilic has built a notorious reputation while fighting in Europe’s top promotions. But it is in front of his home fans where he feels most indestructible.
Ilic and Poland’s Marcin Naruszczka will make their Brave CF debuts this weekend when they compete at Brave CF 69 in a 90-kilogram catchweight bout in Belgrade, Serbia, and he’s confident that he will have his hand raised as ‘’Joker’’ makes his much-anticipated return to Serbian soil, having fought only internationally since 2018.
Ilic is well-known for his ruthless KO ability and stage presence as he entertains fans with pre and post-fight gimmicks. He never lacks motivation, but this weekend, however, he will be extra-pumped as he fights in front of his home fans for the first time in almost six years.
“I enjoy having the people on my side,” he said.
“It’s like another guy is helping me fight my opponent inside the Brave CF cage. The power football players get from fans inside the huge stadiums – the twelfth player – is what I feel when fighting in front of my home crowd.”
Ilic will enter the Brave CF cage with huge support from the fans inside Belgrade’s Stark Arena, and he said he will feed off that energy when he faces Naruszczka.
“I feel untouchable. Not even f*****g King Kong can beat me when I fight here,” he said.
‘’The Joker’’ will be keen on making a statement on the global stage, as Brave CF 69 will cap the largest combat sports festival as the Brave Serbia International Combat Week culminates with an explosive fight card on February 18, as Brave CF returns to Belgrade, Serbia, after the record-breaking success of the IMMAF World Championships conclude this Friday, February 17.