MUHAMMAD MOKAEV JOINS ILIA TOPURIA, USMAN NURMAGOMEDOV IN ESPN’S 30 UNDER 30​

Brave CF — October 6, 2026

MUHAMMAD MOKAEV JOINS ILIA TOPURIA, USMAN NURMAGOMEDOV IN ESPN’S 30 UNDER 30​

Muhammad “The Punisher” Mokaev has once again cemented his standing among mixed martial arts’ brightest young talents, earning a place in ESPN’s 2026 MMA 30 Under 30 rankings.

 

More significantly, the reigning BRAVE CF Flyweight World Champion has now made six consecutive appearances in ESPN’s annual ranking of the sport’s top young fighters, a distinction no other competitor has achieved.

 

Mokaev first entered the list in 2021 at No. 21 before surging to No. 3 in 2022 and No. 2 in 2023. He followed with No. 10 in 2024, No. 27 in 2025 and No. 23 this year, maintaining his presence among the sport’s most highly regarded young names.

 

“I am proud to be the only fighter who has been included for six straight years,” Mokaev said. “It shows that consistency matters. I have stayed focused on improving, winning and proving that I belong among the best young fighters in the world.”

 

The 2026 edition also features BRAVE CF alumni Ilia “El Matador” Topuria and Usman Nurmagomedov, further highlighting the promotion’s ability to provide a platform for elite international talent.

 

For Mokaev, the latest recognition extends a remarkable run that has continued through ESPN’s format change from “25 Under 25” to the current “30 Under 30” designation.

 

His unbeaten professional record and status as BRAVE CF Flyweight World Champion have kept him firmly among the leading figures of the next generation.

 

“Being ranked alongside fighters like Ilia and Usman is a reminder of the level of talent that has come through BRAVE CF,” Mokaev said. “I am proud to be part of that group, but I am still chasing bigger goals.”

 

The recognition also reinforces BRAVE CF’s broader influence on the international MMA landscape.

 

Mokaev, Topuria and Nurmagomedov all developed on the promotion’s global stage before reaching prominent positions within the sport, underscoring the caliber of talent BRAVE CF has helped cultivate.

 

“I am grateful for the opportunities BRAVE CF gave me and for the platform it created for fighters from around the world,” Mokaev said. “There are many talented athletes coming through, and I believe BRAVE CF will continue producing fighters who can reach the biggest stages in MMA.”


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