The year 2025 has already delivered moments that will live long in mixed martial arts memory, with BRAVE Combat Federation providing a global platform for some of the sport’s most electrifying finishes. Across packed arenas and milestone events, fighters produced highlight-reel knockouts that instantly became part of the promotion’s legacy.

As the world’s fastest-growing and most international MMA organization, BRAVE CF has officially opened fan voting for its 2025 Knockout of the Year award. Four finishes now stand out as the most jaw-dropping stoppages seen inside the BRAVE cage this year.

Championship moments and breakout statements

Muhammad “The Punisher” Mokaev stamped his authority at BRAVE 100 in November with a performance that defined championship composure and ruthless execution. After a measured opening round against Gerard “The Animal” Burns, Mokaev found his opening and delivered a crushing head kick before sealing the finish with a clean left hook early in the second.

The emphatic stoppage not only secured victory but also crowned Mokaev as BRAVE CF’s inaugural Flyweight World Champion. The moment marked a historic milestone for the promotion and reinforced Mokaev’s reputation as one of the most complete talents of his generation.

Plamen Penchev delivered perhaps the fastest surge of adrenaline among the nominees at BRAVE CF 97 in July. Making his promotional debut against Sofiane Bouafia, the Bulgarian needed just 54 seconds to showcase the knockout power that has defined his rise. A looping right hand sent Bouafia crashing to the canvas, sending the Burgas Arena into celebration and announcing Penchev as a dangerous new presence in the middleweight ranks.

Precision, power and pure violence

Ricards “Lionheart” Ozols made his first major BRAVE CF statement at BRAVE CF 99 in October with a finish that blended patience and precision. After surviving early grappling pressure from Tornike “Duras” Gigauri, the Latvian striker found his moment and landed a perfectly timed head kick before following up with short, decisive punches.

The stoppage not only earned Ozols a memorable victory but also signaled the arrival of another serious middleweight contender capable of ending fights in spectacular fashion. His performance quickly circulated among fans as one of the year’s most replayed finishes.

Murad Guseinov rounded out the nominees with a blistering display of speed at BRAVE CF 101: KHK Legacy II in November. The Bahraini standout needed just 32 seconds to dispatch Ali Hussein Nedal, connecting with a sharp right hook before finishing the fight on the canvas.

The lightning-fast knockout extended Guseinov’s unbeaten run and marked his 10th career stoppage, further cementing his reputation as one of the most feared finishers on the BRAVE CF roster. The brevity of the bout only amplified its impact among fans and analysts alike.

With four distinct finishes showcasing timing, power and fight-ending instincts, BRAVE CF has handed the final decision to the fans. Voting for the 2025 Knockout of the Year is now open across the promotion’s official social media platforms, allowing supporters worldwide to determine which moment stands above the rest.