One of the most talented graduates of the IMMAF amateur MMA system has signed for the biggest stage in the sport.
Two-time IMMAF bantamweight world champion Muhammad Mokaev has inked a deal with the UFC, with the promotion’s European Twitter account, @UFCEurope, confirming the news.
Mokaev was born in Dagestan, but moved to the U.K. at an early age, where he developed his skill in England before embarking on a stellar career as an amateur fighter.
Fighting at bantamweight and representing Team U.K. and Team England, “The Punisher” captured a string of IMMAF international titles before turning pro with a perfect amateur record of 23-0.
Mokaev started his pro career with Bahrain-based promotion Brave CF, where he built an impressive unbeaten record with notable wins against fellow former IMMAF world champion Abdul Hussein and BAMMA, Cage Warriors and Bellator alum Blaine O’Driscoll.
Now 21 years of age, Mokaev arrives in the UFC with a prodigious list of accolades on his resume. He’s a two-time IMMAF world champion, two-time IMMAF European champion, six-time British wrestling champion, two-time ADCC British Open gold medallist and one-time European Brazilian jiu-jitsu champion.
Now Mokaev has signed with the UFC and brings a 5-0 (1 no contest) record to the octagon as the latest arrival to bolster the U.K. contingent on the UFC roster, where is set to compete as a flyweight.
Speaking to UFC.com about Mokaev’s arrival in the promotion’s 125-pound division, UFC matchmaker Mick Maynard said, “Muhammad is a flyweight I had been keeping an eye on for quite some time.
“He is very experienced at only 21 years old with almost 30 fights when you combine amateur and pro bouts. He is undefeated, dynamic and very charismatic.
“Muhammad sees himself as a flyweight Khabib. He is a perfect fit for this young, fun division.”
IMMAF president Kerrith Brown also paid tribute to the former amateur standout, saying, “Mo is an exemplar of IMMAF’s work to help athletes reach their highest potential.
“His signing at such a young age by UFC is a real endorsement of the IMMAF pathway and provides a milestone for the organisation which is built around developing the next generation of athletes.
“We at IMMAF are immensely proud of Mo and wish him every success. We will be watching his career closely.”
