Muhammad Mokaev: 'I want a finish at UFC 286, then opponents can't run any more'

Muhammad Mokaev’s determination to compete at UFC 286 in London this weekend was evident.

The fast-rising flyweight campaigned continuously for a bout, repeatedly requesting the UFC provide a top opponent. Often, Mokaev called out on social media fellow ranked fighters.

Even a dislocated shoulder in December couldn’t derail him. Mokaev, 9-0 as a professional, opted against surgery, preferring to perhaps delay it instead, so intent was he on fighting at O2 Arena on Saturday.

Mokaev, born in Dagestan but having moved to England as a refugee, made his much-awaited UFC debut at the venue 12 months ago. His second appearance was there, too. In between then and now, he shone at UFC 280 in Abu Dhabi.

But UFC 286 was the aim as soon as it was announced. Only, finding a dance partner was the issue.

“It’s amazing,” Mokaev tells The National from his base in England. “I tried to call out all top-15 guys. I tried to fight anyone, because at this stage I believe I’m ready. I never say to UFC, ‘Can you get me this guy? Can you choose me someone easier just for the show, for the fans?’

“I don’t care. [UFC matchmaker] Mick Maynard offered me David Dvorak, Matt Schnell, Amir Albazi and Tim Elliott. Four top-15 guys. Amir Albazi didn’t want to; Dvorak blocked me because I called him out on [an Instagram] Story, he didn’t accept it.

“Matt Schnell said he doesn’t want to fight in UK. I don’t understand, is the cage different in the UK? Maybe he doesn’t like the pressure. And Tim Elliott is actually injured.

“So I couldn’t get anyone from the top 15. One name I was offered, Jafel Filho, accepted.”

Willing opponents, Mokaev says, are hard to come by for a reason. Still only 22, he has been tipped for the big time for a while, a two-time IMMAF