British UFC flyweight division prospect Muhammad Mokaev explained why mixed martial arts is popular in his country.
"Michael Bisping was a champion, a serious name. Brad Pickett wasn't a champion, but he was a fan favorite. MMA is on the rise in the UK.
MMA is on the rise in the UK because of money and media attention. People are chasing fame. 10 years ago, parents would hardly have wanted their child to take up mixed martial arts. Back then it seemed like it was too tough a sport. That's why I started out as a wrestler and wanted to make it to the Olympics. My dad told me it was more prestigious. But MMA is safer than boxing now. Now kids take an example from Leon Edwards and Arnold Allen, and Tom Aspinall becomes their idol," Mokaev said in an interview with TNT Sports.
Recall that Mokaev was born in Dagestan, but moved to the UK with his family at the age of 12. He is currently ranked seventh in the UFC's rankings of the strongest fighters of the lightest weight.