One of the worst-kept secrets in MMA is finally official, with the news of Muhammad Mokaev’s return to BRAVE Combat Federation now formally announced.
The announcement came during the live broadcast of BRAVE CF 86 in Burgas, Bulgaria, where Mokaev was planned to be in attendance. However, a car crash involving England’s two-time IMMAF world champion meant he was unable to be there in person.
Instead, BRAVE CF president Mohammed Shahid joined the commentary team of Phil Campbell and Kirik Jenness to confirm the news.
“I know my sole purpose here is to make an announcement and make a statement,” he said.
“But this announcement is not just about a signing of an athlete. It’s much more bigger than that.”
Shahid then handed over to Jenness to make the announcement, with the respected MMA pioneer stating, “BRAVE Nation, I am beyond honoured to tell you this: He’s coming home.
“You know who I’m talking about. Two-time IMMAF champion of the world, 23-0 as an amateur, 12-0 as a professional fighter, that’s 35 wins in a row. There is nothing like it in mixed martial arts today. Nothing like it.
“Many say, including me, he is already the finest flyweight in the entire world. He is undisputably the greatest prospect in all of mixed martial arts globally right now, and he is coming home. Welcome home, Muhammad ‘The Punisher’ Mokaev.”
The HOTTEST free agent of MMA is BRAVE!🔥
As announced exclusively on the #BRAVECF86 broadcast, Muhammad "The Punisher" Mokaev is back home!🔝@muhammadmokaev pic.twitter.com/Sx09WKPQZb
— BRAVE Combat Federation (@bravemmaf) August 24, 2024
“It’s exciting times … it’s much bigger than just a signing,” Shahid added.
“For me, the significance of this event is three major points. Number one, it showcases what the industry requires in mixed martial arts – the changes the industry requires, the reform the industry requires – where we see top promotions confused about their priorities, whether it’s massaging their ego or selling pay-per-view tickets, or having the best fighters.
“On the second point, it is also the word BRAVE Combat Federation has done in terms of creating that reform in mixed martial arts by becoming the biggest development program in mixed martial arts and, at the same time, the organization that is only working towards the goal of recognition of MMA in the Olympics.
“And the final point that I would like to say is BRAVE CF arena is definitely going to be the home of the best fighters fighting against each other, without no confusion – only a clear vision.”
