A day after the biggest win of his young professional career, Muhammad Mokaev has revealed that he was dealing with an injury ahead of UFC London.
“The Punisher” is coming off an incredible 58-second win over Cody Durden at Saturday’s Fight Night event. He hit Durden with a flying knee and then pounced on him and forced a tap.
On Sunday, Mokaev revealed on Twitter that he broke his hand in three places six weeks before his fight.
IN LESS THAN A MINUTE ⏰@muhammadmokaev wins his UFC debut at #UFCLondon pic.twitter.com/dviMmC8LWY
— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) March 19, 2022
“6 weeks out from my fight broke my hand in 3 places, there was no way I was gonna pull out from my debut,” Mokaev wrote.
6 weeks out from my fight broke my hand in 3 places, there was no way I was gonna pull out from my debut! pic.twitter.com/alhbOTfg99
— Muhammad Mokaev (@muhammadmokaev) March 20, 2022
It’s no surprise in MMA to see fighters compete while injured; nearly every fighter has competed with a nagging injury now and again. You can add the 21-year old fighter to the list, though a broken hand is a bit more than a “nagging injury.”
Mokaev is now 6-0 (1NC) after his successful UFC debut. He has also finished four of his last five fights, all coming by way of submission.
During his UFC London post-fight interview with the media, he told Cageside Press he is two or three fights away from the title. “I’m away from [the] title maybe three fights, maximum. I think maybe two fights, and I will fight for the title.”
He also tweeted out on Sunday that he is ready to get right back into camp.
I’m ready to get back in the cage ASAP! Injury free, can make weight anytime, ready to fly anywhere,” Mokaev wrote.
