Brave CF 43's Muhammad Mokaev using active approach to take fast track to title shot

Bantamweight prospect Muhammad Mokaev isn’t wasting any time as he looks to move his way to the top of the pro ranks.

Since making his professional debut on Aug. 1, Dagestan-born, British-based Mokaev will be entering his third fight in just a few weeks.

Mokaev (2-0), a two-time IMMAF junior world champion and two-time European champion, made a big name for himself when he dominated the amateur scene en route to a perfect 23-0 record.

Now Mokaev will face Jamie Kelly at Brave CF 43 on Oct. 1 and, with the world watching, Mokaev wants to continue capitalizing on his momentum which he hopes will lead to a title shot next year.

“I’m feeling good, I want to stay busy,” Mokaev told MMA Junkie. “I want to make history and become the youngest champion in whatever organization I’m in, so I have to risk and push forward. I have to risk because many people watch me so I have to stay busy.”

He continued, “After this fight, I want one more fight in December until the end of this year and then next year, I want to fight for the title. That’s my goal – fight for the belt, be the best fighter in this organization.”

It hasn’t been easy for the highly touted Mokaev to land a fight. In his first professional bout, he had numerous opponent switches before eventually drawing Glenn McVeigh, who he dominated for three rounds.

“It is difficult to find me an opponent,” Mokaev said. “Many guys accept the fight, but as soon as they get closer to the fight, they pull out. This opponent (Kelly), he was fighting on the same card I fought on last fight, and I think this guy, 3-0, undefeated, good amateur record.

“I think he’s 7-2, and I asked my coach for the fight and he spoke to his coach and my opponent’s coach said will be good for us, we’ll accept the fight, can you get us a Brave CF contract? So I got them a three-fight deal contract. This is the only way people will fight me now, but I can’t get a contract for everybody.”

Mokaev has looked unstoppable, even drawing comparisons to UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov. He faces a solid test in Kelly, but Mokaev expects this fight to play no differently than his previous ones.

“He’s a kickboxer, he’s got an OK left high kick and everybody knows what I’m gonna do,” Mokaev said. “I’m gonna take him down, dominate him then send him back to Manchester.”