ABU DHABI – Makhmud Muradov finds himself in a unique position with one of the most popular and powerful sports figures behind him.
Uzbekistani middleweight Muradov (24-6 MMA, 2-0 UFC) is the lone MMA client of “The Money Team,” former boxing world champion Floyd Mayweather’s management company.
Since joining the UFC roster in 2019, Muradov has picked up a decision win over Alessio Di Chirico and a knockout of Trevor Smith in his past outing last December. But despite only having two UFC fights, Muradov has already amassed over a million followers on Instagram.
He credits Mayweather for helping push his career to new heights, as well as the support of his loyal fans.
“Happy New Year, I sent him a message,” Muradov told MMA Junkie of his last interaction with Mayweather. “He called me on FaceTime, ‘Hey, brother, keep working.’ I have a good connection with Floyd. I thank him because it helped me, support me every time. He told me about business plans and sport plans – 10 years before coming to Czech, I don’t have nothing. Now I have Floyd Mayweather as a friend, sometimes he calls me, sends messages, it’s life. You don’t know what’s waiting for you tomorrow.”
He continued, “Of course it helped me. It’s good support for me, I don’t know, the Uzbek people, the Uzbek army – I have big fans in Uzbekistan, Czech Republic, Russia, U.S. I like my fans.”
Currently riding a 13-fight winning streak, it’s been a frustrating past year for Muradov, who saw four straight bouts canceled. He will finally make his return to the octagon when he faces Andrew Sanchez this Saturday at UFC 257.