Burns Challenges Mokaev

TDT | Manama

Email: mail@newsofbahrain.com

For two years, Gerard “The Animal” Burns has had one name etched in his mind — Muhammad “The Punisher” Mokaev.

Now, the Irish standout finally gets his wish. On Friday, November 7, at Khalifa Sports City in Isa Town, Bahrain, 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 global mixed martial arts organization in 2023, Burns made it clear that his goal wasn’t just to chase a World Title.

In fact, it was to test himself against Mokaev, the fighter widely regarded as the No. 1 flyweight across the globe today.

‘Fight I’ve wanted’

“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.

Mokaev’s thunderous return

After extending his unbeaten streak outside the promotion, Mokaev made a thunderous return in December 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-yearold has built an impressive résumé — 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.

Calling out mid-fight

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 favor the unbeaten Mokaev, Burns enters BRAVE 100 fully convinced that he has the tools to shock the world.

“People act like he can’t be beaten,” Burns stated. “But at the end of the day, he’s human. He can bleed, he can make mistakes, and he can lose. I plan to be the man who proves it.”