Muhammad Mokaev says he suffered partial MCL tear, eyes July return
Muhammad Mokaev suffered another injury, but he won’t let that derail his activity.
During his fight with Jafel Filho at UFC 286 in London, Mokaev (9-0 MMA, 4-0 UFC) was caught in a tight kneebar in Round 3, but the young prospect refused to tap. Mokaev eventually battled out of it and cinched his own submission which ended the fight.
However, Mokaev didn’t come out unscathed. The 22-year-old revealed that he suffered a partial grade 2 MCL tear in his left knee and is expecting a 6-8 week recovery timeline.
“UFC I’m ready for top 10 opponents! I will be ready to fight, I’m going & hungry! I’m not here to pad record or pull out from every single injury! I’m here to become a champion!”
Mokaev had to deal with similar adversity in the lead-up to his Filho fight. Mokaev dislocated his shoulder three months prior to the fight, but vowed to make it regardless. With the win over Filho, Mokaev is now 4-0 in the UFC with three submissions.
His pursuit for a ranked opponent continues, as Mokaev issued a challenge to anyone in the top 15, including Matt Schnell.
“Still haven’t heard anything from top 15 opponents! Imagine 22 years old kid calling all these old mans out and they still quiet “
Still haven’t heard anything from top 15 opponents!
Imagine 22 years old kid calling all these old mans out and they still quiet— Muhammad Mokaev (@muhammadmokaev) March 25, 2023
“Matt Schnell you said you don’t want to fight in UK, that’s fine! I will come to US to your backyard and fight you there How about that ? July/august let’s go!”
Matt Schnell you said you don’t want to fight in UK, that’s fine!
I will come to US to your backyard and fight you there
How about that ?
July/august let’s go!— Muhammad Mokaev (@muhammadmokaev) March 25, 2023
Muhammad Mokaev says he suffered partial MCL tear, eyes July return
