The global MMA scene delivered highlight-reel finishes and championship drama in 2025, and the BRAVE CF 2025 End of Year Awards captured the athletes who defined the promotion’s biggest moments. Fans cast their votes across social media, turning the honors into a celebration driven by the global MMA community.

BRAVE Combat Federation recognized excellence across multiple categories, spotlighting fighters who combined skill, composure and finishing instinct throughout the year. From shocking knockouts to title-winning submissions, the awards reflected a season packed with defining performances.

Explosive finishes and breakout campaigns

Plamen Penchev secured Knockout of the Year after a thunderous debut at BRAVE CF 97 in July. The Bulgarian middleweight needed just 54 seconds to flatten Sofiane Bouafia with a looping right hand at Burgas Arena, announcing himself as a dangerous new contender.

Submission of the Year went to Borislav Nikolić for his fourth-round guillotine choke against Nicholas Hwende at BRAVE CF 96. The Serbian endured a taxing battle before capitalizing on his moment, capturing the bantamweight world title in the process.

Owais Yaqoob claimed Breakout Fighter of the Year following a statement run in 2025. He submitted Ian Paul Lora in the first round at BRAVE CF 98, then followed up with another dominant finish against Mehmet Can Tasdoven at BRAVE CF 103, showcasing composure and relentless offense.

The Nikolić-Hwende showdown at BRAVE CF 96 also earned Fight of the Year honors. The bout drew praise for its intensity and tactical exchanges before Nikolić sealed the outcome with his championship-clinching submission.

Champions define the year

Mim Grubb received the Female Fighter of the Year special award after remaining unbeaten in 2025. She earned a unanimous decision over Songul Karatorak at BRAVE CF 97 and later edged former Shooto Brazil champion Fabiola Nascimento at BRAVE 100.

The sport’s highest individual recognition, Fighter of the Year, went to Borislav Nikolić. After dethroning Hwende, he defended his crown against Hamza Kooheji at BRAVE 100 with a dramatic late stoppage in the fourth round.

Nikolić’s championship victories and multiple award-winning moments placed him at the forefront of the BRAVE CF 2025 End of Year Awards. His campaign underscored a season defined by elite performances, global fan engagement and championship-level drama.