By Murdo Todd
Former IMMAF World Champion Muhammad Mokaev has been officially announced to face Adriano Moraes at Netflix’s inaugural MMA event, MVP MMA 1: Rousey vs Carano.
During his time with IMMAF, Muhammad Mokaev established himself as not only one of the organisation’s greatest competitors, but also one of the most accomplished amateur fighters of all time. He amassed an outstanding 23–0 amateur record, claiming gold medals at the IMMAF Junior World Championships (2x), the Junior European Championships, and the Senior Oceania Open.
Mokaev has continued his dominant form in the professional ranks and currently holds a 15–0 record, including a seven-fight win streak in the UFC. While no longer part of the UFC roster, he has proven himself to be one of the most talented fighters outside the promotion. Predominantly known for his grappling, Mokaev has also showcased his striking ability, recording impressive knockout victories over Bolat Zamanbekov and Gerard Burns.
As he pursues high-profile opportunities while potentially awaiting a return to the UFC, Mokaev now finds himself part of a significant moment for the sport. ‘The Punisher’ is set to face former ONE Bantamweight Champion Adriano Moraes at MVP MMA 1, which will stream live on Netflix on May 16.
Moraes is a highly experienced competitor with a 21–6 record, including a notable flying knee knockout victory over all-time great Demetrious Johnson. This flyweight matchup represents a high-level contest regardless of promotion, and a victory would be a significant achievement for either athlete.
Also featured on the May 16 card is a landmark bout between Ronda Rousey and Gina Carano, a heavyweight clash between Francis Ngannou and Philipe Lins, and a fan-friendly matchup between Nate Diaz and Mike Perry.
