Submission victories have long been woven into the identity of BRAVE Combat Federation.
Over the past year, the world’s fastest-growing and most global mixed martial arts organization delivered a series of unforgettable tap-out finishes that shifted divisions and crowned kings. Moreover, these scintillating victories introduced new stars to the world stage.
Now, those defining moments take center stage as BRAVE CF officially announces the nominees for the 2025 Submission of the Year.
Hussain Al Kurdi
The milestone BRAVE 100 event this past November erupted from its opening bell, and Hussain Al Kurdi made sure the celebration started in emphatic fashion.
Competing in front of a roaring crowd, the Bahraini standout displayed maturity well beyond his experience, calmly dismantling every attempt from Egypt’s Nour Jopa.
Once the fight touched the canvas, Al Kurdi seized his moment, locking in a suffocating rear-naked choke that ended the contest just 71 seconds in.
The lightning-fast submission sent shockwaves through the Khalifa Sports City Arena and firmly established Al Kurdi as a rising threat in the super lightweight ranks.
Relive the moment here.
Ognjen Mićović
Ognjen Mićović turned his BRAVE CF debut into a masterclass in opportunistic grappling against Lasha Abashidze in a super welterweight encounter.
Already recognized as one of Serbia’s brightest prospects from the IMMAF circuit, Mićović rose to the occasion at BRAVE CF 102 in November with poise and precision.
When Abashidze drove forward for a takedown, Mićović refused to concede position, instead snatching a standing guillotine that stunned the audience. The choke was tight, relentless, and unavoidable, forcing a rapid tap and delivering one of the night’s most memorable triumphs.
Relive the moment here.
Borislav Nikolić
Championship moments demand championship composure, and Borislav Nikolić delivered exactly that at BRAVE CF 96 in June.
Locked in a grueling battle with then-BRAVE CF Bantamweight World Champion Nicholas Hwende, the Serbian challenger weathered adversity across multiple rounds.
When the opportunity finally emerged, Nikolić struck with surgical precision, trapping Hwende in a crushing guillotine choke deep into the fourth frame.
The submission crowned Nikolić as the new divisional king and marked the eighth submission victory of his professional career, a testament to his finishing pedigree.
Relive the moment here.
Anton Yanchev
Efficiency defined Anton Yanchev’s performance at BRAVE CF 97 last July.
The Bulgarian lightweight wasted little time asserting control against France’s Johan Van de Hel, dictating the pace from the opening exchange.
Once the bout hit the mat, Yanchev transitioned seamlessly, obtaining top position before tightening an arm-triangle choke that left no avenue of escape.
The swift submission reinforced Yanchev’s reputation as a relentless finisher and positioned him firmly among the division’s most dangerous talents.
Relive the moment here.
Fans now hold the power to determine which of these spectacular moments will stand above the rest. Voting for the 2025 Submission of the Year is officially open through BRAVE CF’s social media platforms, allowing supporters worldwide to celebrate the artistry and drama that define MMA at its highest level.
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ABOUT BRAVE COMBAT FEDERATION
BRAVE Combat Federation, founded in 2016, is the fastest-growing MMA organization globally, dedicated to transforming mixed martial arts from an event-driven business into a comprehensive sports ecosystem. With a vision to provide fighters worldwide a platform to showcase their talents, BRAVE CF has hosted 100+ events across a record-breaking 38 countries.
The organization boasts the world’s largest MMA development program, featuring over 900 fighters from 90+ nations, supporting athletes from grassroots to professional stardom. BRAVE CF actively supports efforts for SportsAccord recognition and potential Olympic inclusion of MMA.
