Fighter sets his sights on MMA greatness
Muhammad Mokaev may be only 20, and just started out in professional mixed martial arts, but he’s packed plenty into his life already.
Born in Dagestan, he fled Russia aged 12 with his father not long after his mother’s death, hidden inside a car, making the journey to England as a refugee. Surviving on £5 ($6.50) per day, he took up wrestling when his lack of English got him into trouble at school, eventually becoming a six-time British champion.
Representing his adopted country, Mokaev transitioned into Brazilian jiu-jitsu and was soon European champion, before blazing a trail through the world’s amateur MMA ranks.
By the time he turned professional this summer, he boasted a flawless 23-0 record and was twice world champion. With three pro fights since – Mokaev competes in the Bahrain-based Brave Combat Federation – he has climbed to 26 undefeated.
Known to sport the distinctive papakha headpiece, Mokaev is compared often to fellow Dagestani Khabib Nurmagomedov, while he is signed to the company that represents Conor McGregor and Manny Pacquiao.
He has sights set on becoming the youngest champion in UFC history. Oh, and he counts Middle Eastern royalty among his close friends.
“At my amateur debut in 2015, I posted a video on Instagram and the prince of Bahrain, Sheikh Khalid [bin Hamad Al Khalifa] saw it,” Mokaev tells The National. “He tagged the Brave president, Mohammed Shahid, saying, ‘Watch out for this kid’.
“Three years later I’m in Bahrain, competing and winning world championships, signed with Sheikh’s KHK MMA. And then 2020, I’m in Brave, three and 0 as a professional.”
The rise has been remarkable, rapid too. The relationship with Sheikh Khalid also, the royal always there on WhatsApp or a phone call away, keen to lend advice and support. Last year, when Mokaev went to again win the IMMAF World Championships, he was stopped at Manchester airport and missed his flight to Bahrain. Sheikh Khalid flew him out the next day on his private plane, setting up a training base at his house.
Mokaev visited Sheikh Khalid’s home once more last month after his submission victory against the previously undefeated Jamie Kelly at Brave CF 43. They talked sport and life until the sun came up.
“My relationship and others fighters’ relationship to Sheikh is different,” Mokaev says. “It’s staying for a long time, even if other organisations offer me good money.
“It’s not about money. There’s no contract between Sheikh and me. Nothing. It’s more than any contract with huge money; more relationship, like family.
“Because he was with me when I was young, in my amateur days. It means if I have a problem today, like an injury or my career doesn’t go well, he will stay with me. That’s the relationship between Sheikh Khalid and me. It’s worth more than anything.”
A long-time supporter of MMA, Sheikh Khalid founded KHK MMA in 2015 and then Brave in 2016. This summer, he signed Mokaev to the organisation, which has evolved into one of the most prominent promotions in the region.
“He’s a big fan of MMA,” Mokaev says. “He’s not like the guy who just throws money and doesn’t even watch the fights. He comes to the changing room, puts shin-pads on you, carries your spit bucket to your corner, like with me at the world championships. At amateur tournaments, never mind professional. That’s how humble he is.
“In one moment of my career, there was one week when lots of offers came, big everything. He just called me and said, ‘Relax, sit down, we have the team, trust in your heart’. That’s the best advice.”
Advice taken, Mokaev is seeking to put it into action.
“Because I believe I can make it,” he says. “I had this dream for a long time: I want to become champion and make history in whatever organisation I fight.
“For example, youngest UFC champion, so I can give motivation to the young generation that you can come from nothing, without even your parents’ support, become the best in the world, have biggest contract, compete in the best organisation. From £5 a day.”
Combining talent with a thirst for improvement, Mokaev displays little ego outside fighting, a charismatic character who jokes that his upcoming marriage – his future wife works in the medical profession and comes from a family of doctors – better not impact his fighting. Patently, he’s a people’s person.
“Yes,” Mokaev says, smiling. “People’s main event also.”
It is one of the reasons Paradigm Sports Management added the young star to their formidable roster of athletes, why Mokaev has had lucrative offers from Bellator and One, and interest from the UFC. Sponsors haven’t been hard to find either, with the UAE-based business marketplace www. bxb.ae among them.
“It’s clear to see why Muhammad will be one of the biggest names in our sport in the coming years,” says Azhar Muhammad Saul, Paradigm’s senior vice-president of strategy and business development. “He’s an incredible talent, but also a young man of high character that’s a pleasure to work with.
“His work ethic and dedication to the sport is unquestionable. We’re excited with his progress with the team at Brave CF…. it’s remarkable just how quickly his star has risen in the Middle East.
“His fan base is growing at rates I’ve rarely seen before as there is so much cultural relevance in his story.”
With that, the Nurmagomedov comparisons are understandable, although Mokaev is keen to separate himself from the undefeated UFC lightweight champion. He has his own career to carve.
“Me and Khabib have a very different story,” he says. “Of course, he’s a great role model for the younger generations, including me. But we have very different charisma, and what he achieved at 20 and what I’ve achieved now… I’m much faster .
“I have my own story, so when people say ‘Khabib 2’, no I’m Muhammad Mokaev No 1. He’s got his own path; I’ve got mine. Different story.”
Me and Khabib have a different story. What he achieved at 20 and what I’ve achieved now… I’m much faster
MUHAMMAD MOKAEV
MMA fighter