Manama: BRAVE Combat Federation (BRAVE CF) announced the nominees for the Submission of the Year 2025 award, following a season marked by decisive finishes and high-level competition across several weight divisions. Throughout the past year, submission victories continued to define the identity of BRAVE CF, with a series of memorable tap-out finishes leaving a strong impact on events and crowning new champions. These moments are now in focus as fan voting opens to determine the standout submission of the year.
According to Bahrain News Agency, at BRAVE CF 100, held in November, Bahraini KHK MMA fighter Hussain Al Kurdi delivered a rapid and emphatic performance that set the tone for the landmark event. Competing in front of a large crowd at Khalifa Sports City Hall, Al Kurdi displayed composure and tactical maturity, neutralising the attempts of Egyptian opponent Nour Gouba. Once the fight moved to the ground, Al Kurdi secured a rear-naked choke to end the bout in just 71 seconds, reinforcing his status as a rising contender in the super lightweight division.
Serbian fighter Ognjen Micovic also earned a nomination after turning his BRAVE CF debut into a statement performance at BRAVE CF 102 in November. Competing in the super welterweight division against Lasha Abashidze, Micovic capitalised on a takedown attempt by his opponent, countering with a standing guillotine choke that forced a swift submission and marked one of the evening's most notable finishes.
Another Serbian nominee, Borislav Nikolic, showcased resilience and championship character at BRAVE CF 96 in June. Following an intense battle against then bantamweight champion Nicholas Hwende, Nikolic withstood multiple rounds before securing a decisive guillotine choke in the fourth round. The submission earned him the title and represented the eighth submission victory of his professional career.
Bulgarian fighter Anton Yanchev completed the list of nominees with his performance at BRAVE CF 97 in July. Facing France's Johan van de Hel at lightweight, Yanchev imposed control from the opening moments. After taking the fight to the ground, he transitioned smoothly into a dominant position before locking in an arm-triangle choke, ending the contest without allowing any avenue of escape and further strengthening his reputation as a dangerous finisher.
With the official announcement of the nominees, BRAVE CF has opened public voting through its social media platforms, inviting fans to select the 2025 Submission of the Year in a celebration of technical excellence and competitive intensity in mixed martial arts.