"It mean millions to me" - Flyweight contender Muhammad Mokaev reveals Dagestani fighter he "followed since the beginning" of his career will be cornering him at UFC 280

Muhammad Mokaev will be making his third appearance in the UFC octagon at UFC 280, but this time 'The Punisher' will be guided by one of his earliest supporters and teachers.

Fellow Dagestani Rustam Khabilov will be in Mokaev's corner for the first time in Abu Dhabi. A man who, according to 'The Punisher', has played an instrumental role in his MMA career.

A professional MMA fighter in the UFC with a record of 24-4 Khabilov used the lessons he has learned to help guide Mokaev since the age of 15.

Interestingly, 'The Punisher' took to Twitter recently, revealing that Khabilov will be in his corner at UFC 280 while paying tribute to his fellow countryman.

"Rustam Khabilov is the man who I followed since the beginning of my career! When I was 15 years old he was giving me advise as I didn’t have much people around to take advise from it mean millions to me.. Now he will be in my corner at UFC 280!"

Check out the tweet below:

Muhammad Mokaev was born in Dagestan, but moved to England as a young boy. 'The Punisher' has been touted as an exciting prospect with a professional MMA record of eight wins and zero losses at just 22 years old.

Having competed in the flyweight division since his arrival in the UFC, 'The Punisher' will want to continue his rise with an emphatic performance at UFC 280.

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Muhammad Mokaev calls out fellow flyweight Brandon Royval, tells him to "stay ready boy"

Muhammad Mokaev is scheduled to fight Malcolm Gordan next weekend at UFC 280. But that hasn't stopped 'The Punisher' from calling out flyweight contender Brandon Royval.

Royval is currently on a two-fight win streak and was scheduled to take on Askar Askarov in a battle of the top five contenders at this weekend's UFC Fight Night 62.

Unfortunately, Askarov had to pull out of their fight due to weight issues, and 'Raw Dawg' took to Twitter reveal that the fight had been canceled.

Mokaev took this opportunity to call Royval out, and told him to "stay ready."

"Stay ready boy we can fight after I finish Gordon next Saturday, I’m ready November/December any location you want. I’ll fight you any weight if you don’t wanna cut, we can fight at bantamweight!"

See the tweet below:

Brandon Royval is currently the No.5-ranked flyweight in the division, while Muhammad Mokaev is yet to be ranked.

It will be surprising if 'Raw Dawg' accepts Mokaev's offer, as Royval will most likely be looking to fight someone ranked ahead of him.

Mokaev is earmarked as a potential future champion, so a fight against him would offer some upside for 'Raw Dawg'. While a win over the likes of Royval could be exactly what 'The Punisher' needs to catapult his UFC career to the next level.