In one of the most earnest revelations in recent MMA memory, undefeated flyweight Muhammad Mokaev has disclosed the real reason he refused to tap during a devastating kneebar submission attempt that left his knee looking “like a pregnant knee.”
During his appearance on the Mighty Cast with Demetrious Johnson, Mokaev revealed that just one week before his bout against Felipe, he had made a significant financial commitment that would ultimately fuel his legendary toughness in the octagon.
“I actually one week before .., I bought Mercedes car. I told him, ‘I pay you half and then after, I’ll pay you half as well,'”
Mokaev explained with characteristic candor.
” I was like, ‘Hey, I need to pay for my Mercedes, you know, and that’s it.’ And I need to survive that.”
The kneebar in question was one of the deepest submission attempts in recent UFC history. Even seasoned observers including former flyweight champion Demetrious Johnson thought Mokaev was surely going to tap. The submission was so deep that it caused significant damage to Mokaev‘s knee requiring extensive rehabilitation with a football team’s athletic department.
“It was everything. It was everything. My knee was like like a pregnant knee, you know,”
Mokaev described the aftermath of the submission attempt. The damage was so severe that he couldn’t bend or extend his knee and was confined to bed rest for an extended period.
When pressed about why he didn’t simply wait until after the bout to make such a major purchase, Mokaev‘s response was refreshingly honest about the impulsiveness of youth:
“Maybe somebody else will buy it. I just like that car.”
This revelation adds another layer to Mokaev‘s already compelling story. The 24-year-old Dagestani-born MMA star, who moved to the UK at age 12, has built a reputation as one of the most technically sound and mentally tough in the flyweight division. His refusal to tap, even with significant financial motivation, demonstrates the mentality that has carried him to a perfect 7-0 record in the UFC.
The financial pressure of the Mercedes payment became a driving force that pushed Mokaev beyond normal pain thresholds. In a sport where split-second decisions can define careers, Mokaev‘s commitment to his financial obligations literally kept him in the bout when lesser competitors might have surrendered.
This story perfectly encapsulates the unique pressures faced by young MMA stars trying to establish themselves both professionally and personally. For Mokaev, the Mercedes represented more than just transportation—it was a symbol of his success and a financial commitment that demanded he dig deeper than he ever had before.
He pulled my shorts, He said sorry, I said don’t worry let’s go! End of the story..
If I didn’t tap to kneebar, what are these casuals actually thought I tapped to this? 😅
Next time don’t bet against me 🙂 pic.twitter.com/uoukWqIUU9— Muhammad Mokaev (@muhammadmokaev) March 23, 2023
