
via Getty
HOUSTON, TEXAS – FEBRUARY 08: (EDITOR’S NOTE: This image has been converted to black and white.) Jon Jones walks to his corner in between rounds against Dominick Reyes in their UFC Light Heavyweight Championship bout during UFC 247 at Toyota Center on February 08, 2020 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

via Getty
HOUSTON, TEXAS – FEBRUARY 08: (EDITOR’S NOTE: This image has been converted to black and white.) Jon Jones walks to his corner in between rounds against Dominick Reyes in their UFC Light Heavyweight Championship bout during UFC 247 at Toyota Center on February 08, 2020 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
The world saw Jon Jones etch his name into the record books by winning UFC gold at just 23 years of age. Jones (26-1—1-0), still holds the record of being the youngest UFC champion. The record has stood tall for 11 years.
Now though, an upcoming 21-year-old flyweight fighter from Dagestan, Muhammad Mokaev (6-0-0) believes he has what it takes to become to break Jones’ record.
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The Dagestani native was quizzed about his goals of becoming the youngest UFC champion. Mokaev responded with utmost confidence and reiterated his vision of capturing the title in a matter of 2 years.
He said,” Its 100%, I believe I can, I believe I can. That’s why this opponent is good, to get me to the top 15 guys, maybe if not top 15. Instead of fighting like I said, Instead of fighting different guys, who are on a losing spree, better to fight like a good name to get to the top.”
The pathway to the world title wasn’t easy for Jon Jones
The light-heavyweight has always enjoyed a great depth to its roster, especially in the early era. Jones had to face a gauntlet of former champions and formidable fighters to even stand a chance to fight for the UFC gold. Unlike Mokev, Jones made his debut at just 20’years of age and in his just second fight, he was pitted again a veteran in Stephan Bonnar.
With a string of 6 victories and a controversial DQ loss, Jones managed to breeze past his competition. Finally, at UFC 128, he captured the gold by knocking Mauricio ‘Shogun’ Rua in just 2 rounds.
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Mokaev outlined his plans and talked about the top-ranked fighters of the division. He stated that he watches everyone and knows how to beat the top guys of the division. The 21-year-old mixed martial artist took aim at Moreno and Figueiredo, stating that he can beat both guys with his superior wrestling and striking abilities.
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Watch this story: From Michael Bisping to Dan Hardy: Greatest Fighters From UK in UFC History
The young fighter is on the verge of making his UFC debut and he will face an experienced name in Cody Durden at UFC London. How will this fight play out? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
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