ABU DHABi: Flyweight prospect Muhammad Mokaev has been officially added to the UFC 280: Oliveira vs Makhachev card in Abu Dhabi, where he will take on Canada’s Malcolm Gordon on Oct. 22.The 22-year-old Mokaev has been making headlines in the mixed martial arts world and boasts a perfect 8-0 record, including two wins in the Ultimate Fighting Championship since making his debut with the organisation in March.
The Muslim fighter was born in Dagestan, but arrived in the UK aged 12 as a refugee unable to speak any English. In the years since, he has become one of Britain’s top MMA prospects and received phenomenal home-crowd support fighting twice in London earlier this year.
Mokaev was also unbeaten as an amateur with a 22-0 record, and will be looking to cement his billing as one-to-watch in the 125 lbs division.
His opponent, Malcolm Gordon (14-5) will be stepping into the octagon for the fifth time, and brings with him a two-fight win streak. He made his UFC debut in Abu Dhabi in 2020.
UFC 280 will be the latest event held in the UAE capital as part of the partnership between the UFC, and the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi which began in 2019.
Oct. 17-23 will also see the return of Abu Dhabi Showdown Week, anchored by UFC 280 and consisting of other sports and entertainment ancillary events, powered by Flash Entertainment.