Makhmud Muradov (22-6), the lone MMA fighter signed to boxing great Floyd Mayweather’s promotional arm, Mayweather Promotions, has signed with the UFC. He will be the first Uzbek fighter in UFC history.
The 29-year-old is widely thought of as one of the best middleweights in Eastern Europe. Muradov has won eleven straight fights since his last loss, which occurred in 2016. Weeks ago, Mayweather, arguably considered the best boxer of all time, took to Instagram to proclaim Muradov “The best MMA fighter in the world.”
https://www.instagram.com/p/B1C6toBlrdI/
Muradov has largely competed on the regional circuit in Eastern and Central Europe, fighting in promotions such as the Czech Republic’s X Fight Nights (XFN), Fighting Zone, and most recently, Oktagon.
The Uzbek is a tried-and-true finisher, having notched 15 of his 22 wins by knockout and three by way of submission. On his recent 11-fight winning streak, all but two of Muradov’s wins have come by way of knockout.
Muradov announced his UFC signing on Instagram, noting, “Today I signed a contract with the strongest organization in the world @UFC.”
https://www.instagram.com/p/B2fQ3kkonmV/
A translated version of Muradov’s comments is available below:
“Alhamdulillah for everything that the Almighty gives me. Today I signed a contract with the strongest organization in the world @ufc I would like to thank my team of brothers for the work done @ adrian1mma @lusenbakos @first_mma_management Together we make the story of Alhamdulillah. I am the first Uzbek in the UFC. Thank you all very much for your support for your faith in me In Sha Allah together we go for another victory.”
Muradov will compete in the middleweight division; he will fill in against Alessio Di Chirico and replace the injured Peter Sobotta at UFC Copenhagen on September 28.
