UFC 280: Muhammad Mokaev dominates Malcolm Gordon in Abu Dhabi

Top flyweight prospect secures victory by third-round submission

Muhammad Mokaev defeated Malcolm Gordon in their flyweight bout at UFC 280 in Abu Dhabi on Saturday, October 22, 2022. Chris Whiteoak / The National

Muhammad Mokaev, red, takes on Malcolm Gordon at UFC 280 in Abu Dhabi. Chris Whiteoak / The National

Muhammad Mokaev tackles Malcolm Gordon in Abu Dhabi. Chris Whiteoak / The National

Muhammad Mokaev beat Malcolm Gordon by third-round submission at UFC 280 in Abu Dhabi. Chris Whiteoak / The National

Muhammad Mokaev celebrates his win in Abu Dhabi. Chris Whiteoak / The National

Muhammad Mokaev kicks Malcolm Gordon during UFC 280. Chris Whiteoak / The National

Muhammad Mokaev takes on Malcolm Gordon in a flyweight bout at UFC 280. Chris Whiteoak / The National

Muhammad Mokaev after his win in Abu Dhabi. Chris Whiteoak / The National

Belal Muhammad after defeating Sean Brady in their welterweight bout at UFC 280 in Abu Dhabi. Chris Whiteoak / The National

Sean Brady, left, competes against Belal Muhammad during their welterweight bout at UFC 280. AFP

Belal Muhammad takes on Sean Brady at UFC 280 in Abu Dhabi. Chris Whiteoak / The National

Belal Muhammad, left, beat Sean Brady on Saturday. Chris Whiteoak / The National

Manon Fiorot, blue, takes on Katlyn Chookagian in their flyweight bout at UFC 280. Chris Whiteoak / The National

Nikita Krylov, grey, fights with Volkan Oezdemir in their light heavyweight bout. Chris Whiteoak / The National

Muhammad Mokaev made it three wins from three in the UFC on Saturday night, when he defeated Malcolm Gordon by third-round submission at UFC 280 at Etihad Arena.

The top flyweight prospect, who debuted in the promotion only in April, secured the victory with 34 seconds remaining, locking an armbar to see off his Canadian opponent.

Mokaev, 22, represents the UK having moved to England as a refugee a decade ago, and enjoyed a hefty support inside the arena.

Speaking inside the octagon immediately afterwards, Mokaev said he had underestimated Gordon, 32, before thanking the Abu Dhabi crowd and his corner for their backing.

On his UFC bow, in London, Mokaev needed less than one minute to defeat Cody Durden, while he was taken the distance in his second outing by Charles Johnson despite dominating.

After the win, Mokaev said: “I just wanted to finish him early, but it didn’t work out that way. Didn’t care about the black belt. I have a black belt in my heart from my life experience.

"I’m 22, I’ve got nothing to prove. I want to be the youngest UFC champion, I don’t care how I get there.

“Each fight I’ve had my support is growing. The amount of people travelling here to support me. Atmosphere was crazy, I can’t believe these things are happening to me.

“I think Dana [White] should put on more events in Abu Dhabi. I think it’s a great location, there are no visa restrictions for a lot of people. Everybody can come here from around the world.

“Hopefully I will be back to fight; bring more events here and I will fight.”

The biggest cheer of the prelims, though, was reserved for surging welterweight Belal Muhammad. The American, born to Palestinian parents, lifted his unbeaten streak to nine by securing a second-round TKO of the previously undefeated Sean Brady.

Muhammad, who was cornered by retired former lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov, then called out welterweight belt-holder Leon Edwards and unbeaten Chechen Khamzat Chimaev.

On the main card, Beneil Dariush inflicted the second professional defeat of Mateusz Gamrot’s 23-fight career to win by unanimous decision and lift his win streak to eight.

Dariush, the No 5-ranked contender at lightweight, was the aggressor throughout, and floored Gamrot in the third round, when he connected with another overhand left. The judges scored the bout 30-27, 30-27, 29-28.