Muhammad Mokaev Ranked, What Next?

Earlier this week, Muhammad Mokaev entered the rankings of the UFC’s flyweight division, less than a year after joining the promotion and cementing his place amongst the UK’s most exciting prospects. For context, the hype train that is Paddy Pimblett is most likely at least another 2 wins from achieving that feat in the lightweight division. So why is Mokaev ranked already, and what happens next?

22-year-old Mokaev has had an incredible 2022, winning all 3 of his UFC bouts. Kicking things off with a rapid submission win over Cody Durden at UFC London in March, and backing it up with a comfortable unanimous decision win over Charles Johnson at the O2 again in July.

Last weekend, at UFC 280, Mokaev made his Vegas debut in style, submitting Malcolm Gordon with an armbar in round 3, which subsequently catapulted him into the rankings. Mokaev hasn’t been short of critics, with some fans frustrated by the manner of his recent wins, which is hard to believe when he’s just 22 and taking the UFC by storm. It speaks volumes for his character that Muhammad has taken it all in his stride and proceeded to shut the critics up.

So, 3 out of 3 since entering MMA’s prize promotion, Mokaev is now ranked and setting his sights on the 15 flyweights above him. Listing the names he’s already called out would be pointless, it’s clear Mokaev is not afraid of anyone that may stand in the way of his pursuit of gold.

In my opinion, Muhammad Mokaev doesn’t need to rush, and the call outs of names like Brandon Royval and Matt Schnell should be saved for a later date. The obvious fight to make is with Jeff Molina, another young flyweight on a 3-fight win streak. Other names such as Manel Kape and Tim Elliott make a lot of sense, but I’ve thought of a fun one.

Cody Garbrandt.

Mokaev has a decision win and 2 submissions on his UFC record, he’ll no doubt want a KO to add to his resume and to really help him announce his arrival on the scene. So, Garbrandt, a former champion with a vulnerable chin could provide the perfect opponent. In the other corner, Garbrandt is stuck in limbo currently, uncertain what division to compete in, and in danger of being remembered for his losses, rather than his incredible run to bantamweight glory and that mind-blowing win over Dominick Cruz. A statement win over a rising star in Mokaev would win back some of the respect he deserves.

Whoever Mokaev does go on to fight next, the UK should be watching with excitement, because this young man is the real deal.