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Muhammad Mokaev has fulfilled his promise to himself and the fans as he is set to make a sensationally quick return from a shoulder injury to compete at UFC 286, where he will meet the dangerous finisher Jafel Cavalcante Filho.
The South American fought his way into the UFC with a stellar showing on the coveted Dana White's Contender Series, extending his winning run to five straight. While he may not have it easy in his promotional debut, the 22-year-old looks capable of hanging with the best and boasts 13 finishes from 14 wins in his career.
As reported on social media this week, Muhammad Mokaev will compete in London when UFC 286 rolls around but will face another tough challenge when he locks horns with Jafel Filho on March 18.
"Muhammad Mokaev will indeed be in the Octagon at UFC 286 on March 18, after making a quick recovery from recent shoulder surgery. He’ll face Contender Series alum Jafel Filho. Looking to improve on his No. 14 ranking and to 3-0 UFC record."
Mokaev is looking to get his year off to a great start following an outstanding 2022, where he managed to earn a UFC contract and win all three of his fights with the company.
Although it almost went to a decision, his most impressive appearance inside the cage to date was arguably his wonderfully executed armbar submission victory over Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt Malcolm Gordon.
Muhammad Mokaev is currently the #13 ranked flyweight and has been public about wanting to become the youngest-ever UFC champion, hoping to surpass Jon Jones' decade-long record, which he earned at 23 years of age.
Muhammad Mokaev vs. Jafel Filho and other confirmed fights at UFC 286
As promised by Dana White, UFC 286 is going to be stacked from top to bottom, and with the recent fight announcements—Mokaev being one of them—that looks to be the case.
Despite ongoing speculation, Leon Edwards will headline the event and put his welterweight strap on the line during the trilogy clash against former long-reigning champion Kamaru Usman.
A surprising co-main event was announced as Rafael Fiziev looks to build on his knockout win over Rafael dos Anjos and make his way into the title picture, but he will need to bypass the always-dangerous Justin Gaethje to do so.
