Gerard “The Animal” Burns’ two-year pursuit of greatness finally reaches its defining moment. The Irish standout is set to collide with undefeated flyweight superstar Muhammad “The Punisher” Mokaev in the co-main event of BRAVE 100, with the inaugural BRAVE CF Flyweight World Championship on the line this Friday, November 7, at Khalifa Sports City in Isa Town, Bahrain.

“This is the fight I’ve wanted from the moment I signed with BRAVE CF,” said Burns, who joined the organization in 2023. “I’ve watched Mokaev dominate, but now it’s my turn to put my hands on him and see how he handles me.”

Mokaev’s reign of dominance

Born in Dagestan and raised in England, Mokaev has built a spotless 15-0 professional record powered by elite wrestling, suffocating grappling, and relentless pressure. A two-time IMMAF World Champion before turning pro, he carried that dominance into BRAVE CF, where he quickly became one of the most feared names in the promotion.

After a brief stint outside the organization, Mokaev returned in December 2024 and reminded fans why he’s the benchmark of flyweight excellence — dispatching Filipino standout Joevincent So in the first round with a brutal D’Arce choke.

With seven submission wins and two knockouts under his belt, “The Punisher” enters BRAVE 100 as the heavy favorite, but his opponent refuses to be fazed.

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Burns embraces the challenge

Since joining BRAVE CF, Burns has climbed the ladder with unrelenting determination. The 29-year-old Irishman racked up four straight wins — including two first-round finishes and a decisive victory over Alinson “El Chompiras” Ochoa at BRAVE CF 97 — to earn his title shot.

His confidence has been evident from the start. In a previous bout against Santhiago Paiva at BRAVE CF 89, he boldly called out Mokaev mid-fight while maintaining control on the ground.

“I’ve worked for this moment,” Burns said. “I’ve climbed the ranks, fought whoever they put in front of me, and earned my spot. Mokaev’s phenomenal, no doubt, but I’m here to take that belt.”

While most expect Mokaev to extend his unbeaten streak, Burns enters BRAVE 100 fueled by belief that anything can happen inside the cage.

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