Makhmud Muradov of Mayweather Promotions Makes his UFC Debut in Copenhagen
Makhmud Muradov (22-6) has signed with the UFC. He brings with him an 11-fight win streak and of his 22 wins, 15 come by way of knock out. Why is this relevant? Well, on top of signing up to compete in the UFC’s middleweight division, he is also the only MMA fighter signed with Mayweather Promotions.
That’s right, Floyd Mayweather Jr. is now in the MMA business and Muradov could be the first of many if he has successful run in the UFC.
Muradov posted the announcement on social media and wrote, “Today I signed a contract with the strongest organization in the world,” tagging the UFC in his post. Translated on The Body Lock, he added, “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.”
Fans will not have to wait long as he is scheduled to make his UFC middleweight debut on September 28 at the event in Copenhagen. He will be facing Alessio Di Chirico as a last-minute replacement. Di Chirico’s original opponent was supposed to be Peter Sobatta but Sobatta had to withdraw due to injury. The UFC event in Copenhagen is headlined by Jack Hermansson vs. Jared Cannonier on ESPN+ and is the promotion’s first event in Copenhagen and Denmark.
While Muradov has been dominant, winning his last three fights by KO/TKO and not going past the second round, he fought once in June and again in July. With less than two months between fights, it could make for a rough debut for the Uzbek fighter, but at 29-years-old, this certainly could make for a strong debut into the UFC’s middleweight division.
Muradov is not the only fighter filling in on short notice; Gilbert Burns was recently tapped to step in against Gunnar Nelson after Thiago Alves has to withdraw due to injury.
