In the high-stakes world of mixed martial arts, few narratives capture the imagination quite like a fighter`s journey back to the top after an unexpected detour. Such is the compelling story of Muhammad Mokaev, the prodigious flyweight talent whose path, post-UFC exit, has led him directly to a shot at an inaugural world title in Brave Combat Federation.
Mokaev, whose undefeated professional record remains a testament to his prowess, is slated for his second fight of 2025 – and a monumental one at that. On November 7, in the heart of Bahrain, he will step into the Brave CF cage, a familiar territory where his professional career began, to challenge Ireland`s Gerard Burns for the organization`s first-ever flyweight world championship. This isn`t just another fight; it`s a statement, a significant milestone in a career that many believe is destined for global dominance, regardless of the banner under which he competes.
The Unforeseen Departure: A UFC Conundrum
Mokaev`s departure from the Ultimate Fighting Championship in 2024 sent ripples through the MMA community. Despite an impressive seven-fight winning streak within the promotion, culminating in a victory over Manel Kape at UFC 304, the “Punisher” found himself without a new contract. This decision left many fans and pundits scratching their heads, especially considering Mokaev’s consistent performance against top-tier opposition.
While the exact reasons for his unceremonious exit remain subject to debate – with Mokaev himself disputing comments from UFC President Dana White regarding his relationship with matchmakers – one thing is clear: the UFC let go of a formidable talent. A talent who, even now, holds wins over a significant portion of their current ranked flyweight division.
Brave New World: A Return to Roots
For Mokaev, Brave CF isn`t merely a fallback; it`s a proving ground where he previously forged a substantial portion of his undefeated 6-0-1 record before his UFC debut in 2022. It’s a return to familiar ground, a place where he can continue to hone his craft and amass accolades. His immediate return to Brave CF after UFC 304 saw him dispatch Joevincent So with clinical efficiency last December, signaling his intent to remain hyper-active and dominant.
Now, the stakes are considerably higher. Facing Gerard Burns, an Irish fighter currently riding a six-fight win streak, Mokaev is tasked not just with winning, but with making history by becoming Brave CF’s first flyweight champion. This is a direct path to gold, a tangible representation of his continued ascent in the sport.
Undeniable Talent: A Champion in Waiting?
What truly underscores Mokaev`s narrative is the undeniable quality of his past performances. Despite his fights sometimes drawing criticism for being overly tactical rather than explosively entertaining, his efficacy against high-level opposition was never in doubt. With the current UFC flyweight champion, Alexandre Pantoja, continuing his reign of dominance, the absence of a fighter like Mokaev from the UFC roster becomes all the more glaring.
Consider this compelling detail: Muhammad Mokaev holds victories over four fighters currently ranked within the UFC`s top 15 flyweights, even though he hasn`t competed in the Octagon since July 2024. A quick glance at his record reveals the calibre of his past conquests:
| Ranked Opponent | Event | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Manel Kape (#7) | UFC 304 | Mokaev via unanimous decision |
| Alex Perez (#8) | UFC Vegas 87 | Mokaev via unanimous decision |
| Tim Elliott (#10) | UFC 294 | Mokaev via arm-triangle submission in Round 3 |
| Charles Johnson (#13) | UFC Fight Night: London | Mokaev via unanimous decision |
These victories highlight not just Mokaev`s skill, but also the rich potential he still carries. His journey is a powerful reminder that an athlete`s narrative extends far beyond the confines of a single promotion. A world title at Brave 100 would not only cement his status as a champion but could also serve as an undeniable declaration for a potential, and arguably deserved, return to the biggest stage in MMA.
The “Punisher” continues his relentless march, proving that true talent finds its way to gold, one way or another. Whether his path eventually circles back to the UFC Octagon remains to be seen, but for now, his focus is clear: to conquer Brave CF and etch his name into the history books.
