Muhammad Mokaev and Raul Rosas Jr. Set to Headline ADXC 6 in Grappling Showdown

The MMA world often throws unexpected curveballs, and the latest twist comes in the form of a grappling showdown between two of the sport’s hottest prospects: Muhammad Mokaev and Raul Rosas Jr. Originally slated for a clash at UFC Fight Night 245, an injury to Umar Nurmagomedov has shuffled the deck, sending this intriguing matchup to the main event of ADXC 6. While the lack of punches and kicks might disappoint some fans, this grappling-only contest offers a fascinating clash of styles and a chance to see these young stars shine in a different light.

And just like THAT, with a 7 days notice! Give it up to Muhammad Mokaev & Raul Rosas Jr as our new #ADXC6 Main Event💪

Fri. OCT 25 | Mubadala Arena | Tickets 🎟️ link in bio #ADXC6 #JiuJitsu #Grappling #AbuDhabi #MubadalaArena pic.twitter.com/oPoCBLEZFj

— ADXC_official (@adxc_official) October 18, 2024

Mokaev, known as “The Punisher,” has been making waves in the flyweight division since his UFC debut. The 24-year-old phenom had an impressive seven-fight win streak in the promotion, showcasing his exceptional grappling skills and relentless pace. His most recent victory over Manel Kape at UFC 304 in July seemed to position him as a top contender for the flyweight title. However, in a shocking turn of events, the UFC chose not to re-sign Mokaev, citing issues outside the cage as the primary reason.

On the other side of this grappling contest is Raul Rosas Jr., who made history as the youngest fighter ever to compete in the UFC Octagon at just 18 years old. The bantamweight prospect has shown tremendous potential, bouncing back from a loss to Christian Rodriguez with three consecutive victories in the UFC. Rosas Jr.’s grappling prowess and youthful energy have made him a fan favorite and a fighter to watch in the coming years.

This grappling-only contest presents a fascinating clash of styles. Mokaev’s pressure and positional control will be tested against Rosas Jr.’s explosiveness and unorthodox submissions. Here are some key areas that could decide the outcome:

Both fighters have strong wrestling skills, but Mokaev’s relentless pressure might give him the edge to secure initial takedowns. However, Rosas Jr.’s explosiveness could lead to scrambles and potential takedown reversals. Mokaev thrives in dominant positions, but Rosas Jr. has shown good scrambles and escapes. Can Mokaev maintain top control and wear down Rosas Jr., or will the Mexican prospect find ways to get back to his feet? Both fighters have shown good submission defense in their MMA careers. However, the lack of strikes might encourage them to take more risks. Can Mokaev withstand Rosas Jr.’s surprise attacks, or will the unorthodox Mexican catch him with a sneaky submission?

Beyond technical skills, intangibles will play a crucial role. Mokaev is known for his composure and calculated approach. He will likely aim for a systematic dismantling of Rosas Jr., focusing on top control and point scoring. Rosas Jr., on the other hand, thrives on chaos. He will look to disrupt Mokaev’s rhythm with explosive scrambles and opportunistic submission attempts.

The X-factor in this matchup could be Rosas Jr.’s experience in grappling-only competitions. While Mokaev is a proven talent in MMA, his experience in pure grappling might be limited compared to Rosas Jr. This could give the Mexican prospect a slight edge in adapting to the single-discipline format.

Regardless of the outcome, this matchup between two of the sport’s brightest young stars promises to be a thrilling display of grappling prowess. A win for Mokaev would solidify his reputation as a top grappler in his weight class. For Rosas Jr., a victory would further his reputation as a well-rounded fighter and potentially open doors to grappling-only