5 Things You Might Not Know About Muhammad Mokaev

An old saying reads, “The gem cannot be polished without friction, nor man perfected without trials.” The solitary basis for bringing that to light is precisely because it depicts the journey of Muhammad Mokaev, a 23-year-old prospect hailing from Dagestan.

“The Punisher” came to the Ultimate Fighting Championship with a track record that commanded reverence. Part of the intrigue had to do with the glow of past accomplishments, including a stellar 23-0 amateur record and two International Mixed Martial Arts Federation titles. He was also undefeated in six professional fights before he signed with the world’s premier MMA organization. Another factor that added to the intrigue can also be traced to his background. Beyond the accolades, Mokaev’s story is one of courage and resilience, tracing back to the rugged landscapes of Dagestan.

As Mokaev prepares to take on Alex Perez in a UFC Fight Night 238 flyweight attraction, here are five things you might not know about him:

1. He was forged from fire and steel.

Mokaev was born in the poverty-ridden town of Buynaksk, Russia. After the tragic passing of his mother, 12-year-old Mokaev and his father made the journey to England because of his father’s political issues with the homeland. They were placed in a refugee camp in Liverpool upon their arrival and were given a little more than $6 a day with which to sustain themselves. Despite the challenges they faced, they remained undeterred, eventually settling in Wigan, where they began to rebuild their lives. It was around 2013 when Mokaev rekindled his passion for wrestling at the Manchester Wrestling Club. Pursuing active competition in wrestling came next and so did the accolades. He is a two-time British Championships medalist and an English Nationals champion. At the junior level, he is a four-time British champion, winning the tournament from 2014-17. Subsequently, Mokaev picked up Brazilian jiu-jitsu and submission wrestling, becoming a two-time Abu Dhabi Combat Club UK gold medalist in the intermediate division.

2. Battling odds became one of his specialties.

Back in the United Kingdom, Mokaev had to bridge a lot of generational and cultural gaps growing up. This contributed to Mokaev’s trouble-laden school years, where he found himself embroiled in occasional fights. However, Mokaev emphasizes that these altercations were not entirely rooted in racial tensions but rather stemmed from his own mentality. Reflecting on his past, Mokaev recognizes that his propensity for conflict stemmed from psychological factors and a need to channel energy into something meaningful. He found that calling in training, and there was no looking back.

3. He has turned setbacks into new ventures.

Mokaev began competing in amateur MMA in 2015, partly by choice and partly by chance. At that time, athletes with refugee status were unable to travel and compete in international wrestling tournaments. Mokaev sought new avenues to showcase his athletic abilities and pursue his passion for combat sports. MMA offered him an opportunity to test his skills in a competitive arena and provided a platform where his refugee status would not hinder his participation. He went on to compete predominantly on the European circuit before spreading his wings to Bahrain and Australia. In doing so, he was hardened by experience, amassing 23 victories in his amateur career and capturing multiple championships.

4. Interests outside of competition vie for his time.

Mokaev revealed in an interview with UFC.com that he pursued studies in business. While his academic journey laid a foundation, there is not much information about it. The Dagestani also found himself in various roles to make ends meet, including distributing leaflets. These experiences, though humbling, served as a testament to his work ethic and resourcefulness.

5. He has post-MMA plans.

Mokaev is not in the sport for the long haul. Ahead of his fight against Charles Johnson in 2022, Mokaev reflected on his MMA career’s longevity. The Dagestan-born fighter stated that he wants a life outside MMA. While he acknowledges that he loves training and competing, his contemplation extends deeper. Mokaev candidly shared several factors that pushed him into the consideration of a finite fighting career. These factors are rooted in religious beliefs and a yearning for family time. The way he sees it, he does not want to linger around as he is gradually becoming more and more family-oriented. Instead of solely pursuing athletic glory, Mokaev prioritizes holistic fulfillment. He also highlighted prohibition against fighting in Islam and a growing sense of inner conflict that continued pursuits may run counter to his spiritual beliefs.