The UFC’s rising star is making a stand against Russia. Mokaev refuses to be cited as his birthplace

As soon as Russia invaded Ukraine, the sports world started to address the situation. But not the UFC. It hasn’t objected to anything and basically has no restrictions. However, the organization’s great prospect Muhammad Mokaev asked that Russia not be listed as his country of birth.

Not too long ago, Muhammad Mokaev shocked the combat sports world. In fact, he decided to take a big risk in his fight with Jafel Filho in March when he didn’t land a threatening leglock.

His leg was uncomfortably sprained, yet he was determined to continue the fight and once he got out of the extremely uncomfortable situation, he choked his opponent out. Once the match was over, however, it was obvious that his leg was not right.

He couldn’t step on his leg properly, he arrived at the press conference on crutches and his knee swelled up badly in one night. Incidentally, he also admitted that his knee had cracked several times during the submission.

It is quite possible that with such an injured knee he will not only have to rest for a long time, but that he will also suffer some longer term consequences.

But now the 22-year-old fighter with a 10-0 record has asked for attention in a completely different way. In fact, the Dagestan native has asked the UFC on Twitter to not list Russia as his country of birth next to his name when he enters the ring.

On the contrary, he wants to leave Dagestan out. It’s worth noting that Mokaev has been living in England for several years and has a British passport as well. He has an interesting life story behind him, he and his father fled to England because of the war after the death of his mother.

And the reason why Mokaev wants to do that in the first place? In the past he has spoken out against the Russian invasion of Ukraine, or rather criticised Russia for its treatment of the Dagestani people as well, but now he has given a different reason.

“I have read many comments in which Russians oppose Muslims who want to build a mosque in Moscow. That is enough for me. I can safely say that the country where I live now has never publicly opposed the building of mosques,” the talented militant let it be known.

For his words, Mokaev received recognition from top bantamweight and Georgian star Merab Dvalishvili.

Source: Twitter, UFC