Russian UFC Fighter Picks Conor McGregor’s Paradigm Over Khabib Nurmagomedov-Associated Agency: “Why Would You Give Me Such a Contract If You Call Me Brother?”

Muhammad Mokaev is one of the most exciting prospects in the UFC right now. The flyweight fighter from Dagestan has already made a mark in the biggest MMA promotion. He won his UFC debut against Cody Durden at UFC Fight Night in London.

The 21-year-old is still in the starting phase of his career and has to tread carefully in terms of contracts and commitments. The Russian-born Britisher recently signed a management deal with Paradigm sports, who also manage superstar Conor McGregor.

He was also in talks with famous UFC manager Ali Abdelaziz. Abdelaziz owns and heads Dominance MMA Management, which manages many top UFC fighters like Justin Gaethje, Kamaru Usman, and now retired Khabib Nurmagomedov.

His relationship with Nurmagomedov made him a favorite to sign Mokaev, who is also from Dagestan. However, ‘The Punisher’ snubbed Abdelaziz and instead chose Conor McGregor’s management agency.

He opened up on why he couldn’t trust the Egyptian super manager Ali Abdelaziz in a recent interview. “Me and Paradigm have a great deal. I can leave them anytime I want. But with Ali [Abdelaziz] I couldn’t. My friend said it was a lifelong contract. Why would you give me such a contract if you call me brother? If we don’t get along, I should be able to leave. Otherwise, it means that I still have to pay commissions even if we don’t get along. But I have work to do and family to feed.”

“But with Paradigm, I can leave on my own will and I love that deal. Cuz we’re not obligated by papers. If we don’t get along we just go separate ways,” Mokaev revealed.

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Mokaev is indeed being careful in his approach and isn’t looking for long-term commitments at this moment.

What’s next for Muhammad Mokaev in UFC?

‘The Punisher’ is on the come up inside UFC and many consider him a future title challenger in the flyweight division. He has an unbeaten 7-0 professional MMA record and recently won his first UFC fight on debut.

The England-based fighter got an opportunity to make his debut in front of his home crowd at the O2 Arena in London.

Ever since his first fight, there has been an increased excitement amongst fans to see him in the Octagon again. He defeated Cody Durden with a first-minute submission and announced himself to the UFC.

UFC has already booked his next fight. Mokaev will take on Charles ‘InnerG’ Johnson on July 23rd, 2022 at the same venue. The UFC Fight Night in London was one of the most enthralling events of 2022.

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Dana White was super impressed with the success of the event and announced that UFC will return to England again this year.

The July event will see Mokaev take on another UFC debutant Charles Johnson. However, Johnson is more experienced than Mokaev and is the current LFA flyweight champion.

Was Muhammad Mokaev right in snubbing Ali Abdelaziz? Let us know in the comments section.