UFC fighters often carry the name of their country with great pride; among other things, while presenting it on their fighter introduction name card.
But this is not the case for Muhammad Mokaev.

Mokaev comes from Dagestan, a part of Russia’s North Caucasian Federal District eminent for producing spectacular MMA fighters.
However, Mokaev has fled to United Kingdom when he was just 12 years old; following the death of his mother and his father’s political difficulties with the country.

Recently, Mokaev shared that he doesn’t want “Russia” to be presented on his introduction name card:

I don’t like this! Please just keep Dagestan for me for my next walk out!

I don’t like this! Please just keep Dagestan for me for my next walk out! pic.twitter.com/jrP5sYqvag

— Muhammad Mokaev (@muhammadmokaev) April 3, 2023

Many people commented on Mokaev’s tweet, including Chael Sonnen:

Explain. I mean, I am aware of your position, but I still think you should explain it.
A lot of people would find it compelling.

Mokaev gave a simple answer:

I have read a lot of comments how Russians against Muslims who wants to building mosque in Moscow!
That was enough for me I can say the country where I live now have never openly gave been against mosques.

My wrestling coach is Russian, got nothing against race.
But most are racist, they even hate me when I fight under UK’s flag , that’s why I don’t want associate with them.

I have read a lot of comments how Russians against Muslims who wants to building mosque in Moscow! That was enough for me
I can say the country where I live now have never openly gave been against mosques

— Muhammad Mokaev (@muhammadmokaev) April 4, 2023

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