Muhammad Mokaev is a rising contender in the UFC flyweight division. The unbeaten fighter is on his way to becoming a future champ with a UFC record of 4-0 and an MMA record of 10-0. However, as he is recovering from a knee injury that he suffered at UFC 286, Mokaev has just started a big debate on Twitter regarding his nationality.
Mokaev took to Twitter and shared a screenshot of his walkout in one of his fights. While he is currently fighting out of Manchester, England, Mokaev was born in Buynaksk, Dagestan. However, in the introductory graphics for Muhammad, the UFC decided to put Russia beside Dagestan as his country of origin. It does not look like Mokaev is a fan of that and he wants to UFC remove Russia from his introduction.
I don’t like this! Please just keep Dagestan for me for my next walk out! pic.twitter.com/jrP5sYqvag
— Muhammad Mokaev (@muhammadmokaev) April 3, 2023
He wrote, “I don’t like this! Please just keep Dagestan for me for my next walk out!”
Is Dagestan a part of Russia?
Now, the question ultimately becomes, is Dagestan a part of Russia? Fans saw the former UFC lightweight champ, Khabib Nurmagomedov meeting Russian President Vladimir Putin after beating Conor McGregor at UFC 229. Many Dagestani fighters have a close tie with the Chechen ruler, Ramzan Kadyrov. Fighters like Khamzat Chimaev and Khabib were seen with Kadyrov previously.
But what about Dagestan? Is it a part of Russia? To answer the question, yes. According to BBC, Dagestan is a republic in the Northern Caucasus of Russia, along with Khamzat’s home country Chechnya. However, both Chechnya and Dagestan are a part of Russia. As per the Russian constitution, the country is allowed to have republics under the nation and Dagestan is one of the 22 republics under Russia.
However, like any other republic, Dagestan has a constitution, but it is consistent with the Russian constitution. Hence, whenever a Dagestani fighter fights in the UFC, the promotion always puts Russia alongside Dagestan.
Muhammad Mokaev reveals why he is opposing Russia
Nicknamed “The Punisher,” Muhammad Mokaev was born on July 30, 2000. Although he is from Dagestan, Mokaev later moved to Manchester, England to pursue a better quality of life. However, despite his move to England, Muhammad held on to this heritage and is a very religious man. Following his outburst against Russia fans wondered why Mokaev was against the country.
In a tweet later, Mokaev explained, “I have read a lot of comments how Russians against Muslims who wants to building mosque in Moscow! That was enough for me… I can say the country where I live now have never openly gave been against mosques.”
I have read a lot of comments how Russians against Muslims who wants to building mosque in Moscow! That was enough for me
— Muhammad Mokaev (@muhammadmokaev) April 4, 2023
I can say the country where I live now have never openly gave been against mosques
Previously, Mokaev explained that he was looking to retire from fighting as violence is not accepted in his religion. Hence, the rumors of Moscow allegedly denying permission to build a mosque in Moscow, without a doubt, have hurt Mokaev as a Muslim fighter. So it does appear to be one of the reasons why Mokaev wants to be represented as a Dagestani, where Islam is the primary religion.
What do you think of the matter? Let us know in the comments down below.