Ten years ago Muhammad Mokaev moved to the UK and couldn't speak English - now he's preparing for his UFC debut.
A 12-year-old Mokaev, who fights Cody Durden at UFC London on Saturday, migrated from Dagestan alongside his father in 2012 and was raised in Wigan. He resided in a refugee camp upon his arrival and lived in tough conditions, receiving just £5 a day whilst on benefits.
Now a British citizen, Mokaev switches between several cities in the UK to prepare for his fights. He went undefeated in over 20 amateur bouts before turning professional and won the IMMAF bantamweight title in 2019.
And with millions of people fleeing Ukraine amid Russia's invasion, Mokaev hopes his UFC debut this Saturday can be an inspiration to those seeking a better life.
"There will be a lot of refugees coming over now," he said. "There always has been from Afghanistan, Syria and Palestine. So there's always been refugees coming to this country, not just from Ukraine.
"I want to be an inspiration for all people who come to a country with just one backpack, you're not lost. You can become something better in your life. Maybe if I stayed in Russia I would still be working at the petrol station, so don't lose your hope and adapt to where you end up."
Despite having lived in the country for five years, the UK Home Office threatened to deport Mokaev back to Russia in 2017. Thankfully for the 21-year-old, the case was dismissed and he was signed by the UFC shortly after.
Mokaev has chosen to represent Great Britain during his fighting career despite being born in Dagestan. He credited the positive treatment he received as a refugee when arriving in the UK for flying their flag in the cage.
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"The way the UK treated me from the refugee camp, all the way until I got my documents," he added. "The way they treated me when they gave me a pair of jeans and a t-shirt. I always said I was gonna represent [the UK] no matter if they gave me a passport or not.
"In 2017 we got refused with the [deportation] case and my solicitor helped me a lot. It was difficult as I was living here for five years and they wanted to send me back.
"I wanted to be a different refugee than others, so I could let the Home Office know that any refugee can be a great example for the rest of the people who are coming here, not just claiming benefits and sitting at home."
