Brave Combat Federation, the newest player in Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) world, is keen to use India as a hub for growing the MMA sport in the ASEAN region, its President and CEO, Mohammed Shahid, has said.

"Focusing on the Indian market is key to grow the brand and the sport of MMA in the ASEAN region," Shahid told BusinessLine .

Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) is a full contact combat sport that allows contestants to use the fighting techniques of wrestling and boxing along with those of martial arts such as kickboxing, karate and judo.

Bahrain-based Brave Combat Federation is bringing to Mumbai on April 23 its first MMA event in India for the year.

"We view this event as the next step towards strengthening diplomatic, cultural and economic ties between India and Bahrain. Indian athletes have been making their presence felt in various combat sports on the international level. It is time for India to go for glory," Shahid said.

Mumbai fight night of April 23 will be televised across Brazil, GCC nations, Africa and India besides other countries.

"We will also be streaming the show live on internet across the world," he added.

Srivats.kr@thehindu.co.in