Muhammad Mokaev to Fight for Inaugural BRAVE CF Flyweight Title at BRAVE 100

Former UFC star Muhammad Mokaev is set to compete for the inaugural Brave Combat Federation flyweight world title, the promotion has announced. Mokaev (14-0 MMA, 7-0 UFC) will take on Irish standout Gerard Burns (7-1) at BRAVE CF 100 on Friday, November 7, at Khalifa Sports City in Isa Town, Bahrain.

Mokaev won four fights under the BRAVE CF banner early in his professional career before signing with the UFC in 2022. “The Punisher” went 7-0 inside the Octagon over the next two years before parting ways with the organization following his win over Manel Kape at UFC 304 in Manchester, England, last year.

Rumors of unruly behavior behind the scenes began to circulate, and UFC President Dana White announced that he would not renew Mokaev’s contract, despite the 25-year-old being ranked inside the top ten in the flyweight division and widely considered a legitimate contender to Alexandre Pantoja’s title.

Since leaving the UFC, Mokaev has fought once under the BRAVE CF banner, earning a quick submission win over Joevincent So in December. He also picked up a stoppage victory over Bolat Zamanbekov at Karate Combat 54 in May before outpointing Thomas Assis at 971 FC 2 in June.

In a BRAVE CF press release, Mokaev stated:

“This is the golden opportunity I’ve been waiting for. I’ve fought my way through every challenge, and on November 7, I will etch my name in history as the first BRAVE CF Flyweight World Champion.”

His opponent, Gerard Burns, has been building serious momentum since signing with BRAVE CF in late 2023. The Fight Academy Ireland representative — a training partner of PFL star Paul Hughes — has won four straight fights in the Bahrain-based promotion, including two first-round finishes, making him the clear frontrunner to face the company’s biggest star at their centenary event.

“Ireland has been waiting for this moment,” said the former Cage Conflict champion. “I’m coming to Bahrain to bring that World Title home. November 7 will be the night I prove that the Irish spirit cannot be denied.”