22-year-old Muhammad Mokaev, in just twelve short months since his UFC debut, has quickly shot into the UFC top-15 flyweight rankings. The question on the lips of all fight fans is, what is next or Muhammad Mokaev?
Mokaev arrived in the UK as a refugee aged 12 and has fought his way up through the ranks, inside and outside the cage.
Boasting a 9-0 record, ‘The Punisher’, born in Dagestan, has become one of the youngest fighters on Dana White’s books, shooting to a 3-0 record inside the Octagon. Mokaev looks on target to take the record of Jon Jones as the youngest-ever UFC champion.
Who Could Muhammad Mokaev Fight Next?
Brandon Royval
During the UFC280 post-fight interview with DC, Mokaev called out Brandon Royal, who ranks at number 5 in the flyweight rankings.
I hear you say a big jump in competition, but it would take a brave person to bet against Mokaev, who is undefeated in MMA. With a 22-0 amateur record and 9-0 and 1 NC as a professional, the 21-year-old has shown he is not one to be overlooked.
Manel Kape
Portugal’s Manel Kape (17-6) is another highly-rated youngster in UFC at just 28 years old. Since going (0-2). Kape has got back to winning ways with two back-to-back round-one stoppage wins via TKO. Reminding people of the form that saw him sign with the UFC from Rizin back in 2021. With a more strike-dependent style, the classic grappler vs striker match-up between the two would no doubt be an exciting prospect.
Matt Schnell
Matt Schnell (16-7) has the most UFC experience on this list, being with the company since The Ultimate Fighter 24 in 2016. With his 14th fight coming up against Matheus Nicolau, a win would put him in the sights of the hungry Mokaev. In comparison to the others I mentioned above, Schnell has stylistically the most in common with Mokaev.
We have no way of knowing exactly what’s next for Muhammad Mokaev, but one thing is guaranteed, it will be exciting.
Image Credit Muhammad Mokaev Instagram
