MMA – GERARD ‘The Animal’ Burns has had one name etched in his mind over the past two years – against Muhammad ‘The Punisher’ Mokaev.
Now, the Irish standout finally gets his wish. On November 7 at Khalifa Sports City Arena in Isa Town, he will finally share the same cage with the undefeated phenom in the co-main event of BRAVE 100, with the inaugural BRAVE CF flyweight world championship on the line.
Ever since directing his career path to the world’s fastest-growing and most international mixed martial arts (MMA) organisation in 2023, Burns made it clear that his goal was not just to chase a world title.
In fact, it was to test himself against Mokaev, the fighter widely regarded as the number one flyweight worldwide today.
“This is the fight I’ve wanted from the moment I signed with BRAVE CF,” Burns declared. “I’ve watched Mokaev dominate, but now it’s my turn to put my hands on him and see how he handles me.”
No one can blame him for wanting that challenge. Born in Dagestan and raised in England, Mokaev boasts a pristine 15-0 professional record, built on a blend of suffocating grappling and relentless pressure. With seven submission wins and two knockouts to his name, ‘The Punisher’ has been a nightmare for every opponent who’s dared to stand across from him.
Mokaev’s rise began in the amateur ranks, where he ruled as a two-time IMMAF world champion in 2019 and 2020 – a feat that heralded his transition into the professional arena.
His first BRAVE CF run saw him amass four victories in five appearances, immediately putting the flyweight division on alert.
After extending his unbeaten streak outside the promotion, Mokaev made a thunderous return in December of 2024, submitting Filipino opponent Joevincent So in the opening round with a nasty D’Arce choke. The performance reminded everyone why Mokaev is considered one of the most complete mixed martial artists on the planet.
However, Burns is not one to be intimidated. ‘The Animal’ clawed his way up the rankings with ferocity and conviction.
Since debuting under the BRAVE CF banner, the 29-year-old has built an impressive resume – opening with consecutive first-round finishes, followed by two more dominant wins.
His latest, a unanimous decision victory over Alinson ‘El Chompiras’ Ochoa at BRAVE CF 97 this past July, solidified his status as one of the division’s top contenders.
Burns even made his intentions clear mid-fight during an earlier battle with Santhiago ‘Galo Doido’ Paiva at BRAVE CF 89 in October 2024 – calling out Mokaev while controlling his opponent’s back. That raw confidence has become his trademark, and now it has earned him the biggest opportunity of his career.
“I’ve worked for this moment,” he said. “I’ve climbed the ranks, fought whoever they put in front of me, and earned my spot.
“Mokaev’s a phenomenal fighter, no doubt, but I’m coming to give him the toughest test of his life. I’m not here just to compete; I’m here to take that belt.”
While the odds favour the unbeaten Mokaev, Burns enters BRAVE 100 fully convinced that he has the tools to shock the world.
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