Irish standout Gerard “The Animal” Burns is poised to make history when he competes in the co-main event of BRAVE 100 on November 7 in Bahrain. He will face undefeated contender Muhammad “The Punisher” Mokaev for the inaugural BRAVE CF Flyweight World Championship in a five-round showdown at Khalifa Sports City.

Burns is not treating this as just another title fight. The 29-year-old Dublin native carries the expectations of Irish fans who have long waited for a breakthrough against Dagestan’s finest in mixed martial arts.

Burns eyes historic breakthrough for Ireland

Ireland has come close to conquering Dagestan’s top fighters but has yet to break through in a world title setting. From the dramatic Khabib Nurmagomedov–Conor McGregor clash to recent bouts featuring Paul Hughes against Usman Nurmagomedov, the Irish side has repeatedly fallen short.

That is the narrative Burns intends to rewrite.

“No Irishman has beaten a Dagestani fighter in a World Title fight, and that’s been eating at me,” Burns said. “That ends with me. I’m bringing that win home for Ireland, no question about it.”

Mokaev stands in the way of Irish glory

For two years, Burns has had one name circled — Mokaev. The Dagestani-born standout, who grew up in England, has built an aura of invincibility in the flyweight division. Burns even called out Mokaev mid-fight during his win at BRAVE CF 89, sending a clear message about his intentions.

“He’s the guy everyone says can’t be beaten, and I want to prove that wrong,” Burns said. “This fight isn’t just another matchup; it’s the one I’ve been preparing for my whole career.”

BRAVE CF President Mohammed Shahid believes a victory would reshuffle the global MMA conversation and elevate Burns as a national sporting icon.

“If Gerard Burns comes to the Kingdom of Bahrain and gets that win in front of his friends and loved ones, I think Gerard Burns is going to be the new face of Irish mixed martial arts,” Shahid said.