Recent UFC signee and top prospect Muhammad Mokaev has his octagon debut set.
Mokaev (5-0, 1NC) is set to face Cody Durden (12-3-1) on March 19, 2022, at a Fight Night event rumored to take place in London, England. The flyweight pairing was first reported by MMA Junkie.
None other than Mokaev himself later confirmed the booking, and rumored location.
Durden recently picked up his first win in the promotion at UFC Vegas 44, earning a unanimous decision against Qileng Aori. The American then sparked controversy thanks to post-fight comments that suggested he wanted to send his opponent “back to China” — where the “Mongolian Murderer” does in fact hail from.
Mokaev himself suggested Durden as a potential debut opponent after taking offence to the aforementioned remarks. “I don’t like Cody Durden racist (sic) comment in his interview. Should I smash this guy for my UFC debut?” he wrote on social media.
I don’t like Cody Durden racist comment in his interview. Should I smash this guy for my UFC debut? @UFCEurope @ufc
— Muhammad Mokaev (@muhammadmokaev) November 20, 2021
The 21-year old Mokaev joins the promotion after an undefeated run to start his pro career, and after a lengthy and successful amateur career that saw him capture numerous accolades under the International Mixed Martial Arts Federation.
In addition to Mokaev, who hails from England, a number of other British fighters are set for the March 19 card. The following bouts have been reported to date:
Jack Shore vs. Umar Nurmagomedov
Jake Hadley vs. Francisco Figueiredo
Luana Carolina vs. Molly McCann
Muhammad Mokaev vs Cody Durden
