One of the most talented flyweights on the planet not currently under the UFC banner has booked a title fight at Brave CF 100 this November.
Muhammad Mokaev, who was unceremoniously bounced from the promotion last year over actions outside of the cage, will face Gerard Burns on November 7 for the Brave CF 125lb title.
Promotion officials announced the news on Friday.
Mokaev (15-0, 1NC) had a decorated amateur career with the IMMAF, and went 22-0 before turning pro. He came into the UFC one of the biggest prospects in years, and lived up to that billing – until it all came crashing down during a feud with Manel Kape that culminated in a disappointing fight at UFC 304.
“The Punisher” defeated Kape by decision that night, but in the build-up to the fight, had sparked a confrontation with his opponent at the UFC PI. As UFC CEO and President Dana White said following that event, “There was so much bad sh*t that happened behind the scenes with that thing. Not good.”
The release of an unbeaten prospect, alongside White stating that “the PFL is going to get a great, undefeated guy,” raised eyebrows at the time, though White made it clear that the UFC’s matchmakers were not fans of Mokaev.
He’s since won two fights under the Brace CF banner, where he competed prior to the UFC. His last bout came at bantamweight, though it’s back to 125lbs next month.
Burns (7-1) has won six straight, and is a former Cage Conflict flyweight champ.
Brave CF 100 takes place Nov. 7, 2025 in Isa Town, Bahrain.
