MMA – BORISLAV Nikolic was named BRAVE Combat Federation’s Fighter of the Year to headline the organisation’s end-of-year awards for 2025.
The sport of mixed martial arts (MMA) witnessed some unforgettable moments last year, and BRAVE CF has recognised the athletes who defined the year.
Fans from around the world voted through BRAVE CF’s social media channels, making this recognition a true celebration of audience favourites and elite performance.
Nikolic’s 2025 campaign was defined by world championship victories and historic moments.
After dethroning Nicholas Hwende at BRAVE CF 96, Nikolic proved his reign was no fluke by defeating Hamza Kooheji at BRAVE 100. With a dramatic stoppage late in the fourth round, Nikolic solidified his authority over the bantamweight division.
In a special award, England’s Mim Grubb was named Female Fighter of the Year. Grubb went unbeaten in 2025, showcasing technical skill and mental toughness across two high-profile outings.
At BRAVE CF 97, she claimed a unanimous decision, outworking Songul Karatorak over the course of three rounds. She carried the momentum into the history-making BRAVE 100 last November by edging out former Shooto Brazil champion Fabiola Nascimento.
Grubb’s performances underscore her position as one of the most dependable and formidable strawweights in the promotion.
Bulgarian powerhouse Plamen Penchev authored an explosive introduction to a much wider audience at BRAVE CF 97 back in July and won the Knockout of the Year award.
Facing France’s Sofiane Bouafia, Penchev needed only 54 seconds to deliver a looping right hand that sent his opponent crashing to the canvas.
His promotional debut cemented his reputation as a rising force in the middleweight division.
Courtesy of his scintillating performance at BRAVE CF 96 in June, Nikolic also earned the Submission of the Year honour, authoring a masterful guillotine choke against then-divisional king Hwende.
The Serbian superstar endured a grueling battle over multiple rounds before seizing the decisive moment in the fourth. The victory crowned Nikolic as the new BRAVE CF bantamweight world champion and marked the eighth submission win of his career – a testament to his precision and finishing pedigree.
The instant-classic clash between Nikolic and Hwende at BRAVE CF 96 also garnered the prestigious Fight of the Year award.
Fans and analysts alike praised the contest for its intensity, high-level strategy, and dramatic finish. Nikolic’s patience and tactical brilliance ultimately led to the fourth-round guillotine, proving that perseverance and skill can be just as dangerous as raw power.
Finally, Indian standout Owais Yaqoob dominated the Breakout Fighter category after an impressive campaign in 2025.
At BRAVE CF 98 last September, Yaqoob submitted Filipino newcomer Ian Paul Lora in the first round, announcing himself as a force to be reckoned with.
He continued his rise at BRAVE CF 103 last December, overwhelming Turkish debutant Mehmet Can Tasdoven with relentless clinch work, vicious knees, and ground strikes to secure another emphatic finish.
Yaqoob’s combination of composure and aggression marks him as one of the brightest new stars in BRAVE CF.
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