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At age 22, with an unimaginable 32-fight win streak between his novice {and professional} MMA profession, Muhammad Mokaev is likely one of the most intriguing prospects within the UFC.
Jafel Filho, his opponent at Saturday evening’s UFC 286 occasion in London, is a “fan” of Mokaev’s work, however says he brings nothing new to the cage.
Filho, a former Shooto Brazil flyweight champion who makes his UFC debut six months after knocking out Roybert Echeverria on the UFC’s Contender Collection, mentioned on this week’s Trocação Franca podcast that he has been watching Mokaev compete for years.
“I’ll admit I’ve adopted him as a result of I’m a fan of his work, child is de facto good,” Filho mentioned. “I’ve adopted him on Instagram for the reason that starting of his profession. And when the chance got here to battle him, as quickly as my supervisor despatched me [the offer], my coronary heart was full of pleasure. [It told me,] ‘Take this battle, for the love of God. This man is de facto good and hard, he’s hyped within the division.’ I like his recreation. I don’t know him as an individual, however as knowledgeable, I used to be fairly excited to battle him.”
Mokaev is 3-0 contained in the octagon with wins over Cody Durden, Charles Johnson, and Malcolm Gordon, two of which ended by way of submission.
However Filho feels he’s confronted harder competitors in his native Brazil.
“I like fights like this,” Filho mentioned. “I choose to battle guys like this as a substitute of men with no historical past. Have a look at my file, I’m positive I’ve fought harder guys. Have a look at our information and also you’ll see an enormous distinction in opponents. Most [of his opponents are] coming off losses, most with much less expertise.”
“I prefer to battle undefeated guys,” he continued. “Like I normally say, I’m a thorn within the aspect of the undefeated. For them to stumble, to frustrate their undefeated careers. I like that. … He deserves the hype, he has a historical past. He’s speaking quite a bit within the UFC however delivering in opposition to his opponents as properly. He’s robust, he works arduous, however no massive deal.”
The truth is, Filho feels it’s simpler to face unbeaten opponents than those that have tasted defeat, as a result of, as a private expertise, “I’ve grown extra in my losses,” he mentioned
“You may see many holes,” mentioned Filho. “Mokaev, as robust as he’s, I’ve discovered many holes in his recreation. I see myself profitable this — and I don’t see it going the gap. Of all my fights, I imagine just one has gone the gap. The others ended early, by knockout or submission. I like to finish fights and never let it go to the judges.”
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