“Why always decline Russian citizens?” British-Russian fighter Muhammad Mokaev blames ‘bullsh*t politics’ after visa struggles

Muhammad Mokaev raises questions about the Russian fighters frequently facing visa issues in the UK.

“Why always decline Russian citizens?” British-Russian fighter Muhammad Mokaev blames ‘bullsh*t politics’ after visa struggles

Muhammad Mokaev (Image courtesy: Imago)

UFC flyweight prospect Muhammad Mokaev recently took his Twitter to vent his frustration and disappointment regarding the visa issues he encountered during his recent travels. 

Mokaev, widely recognized as one of the most promising fighters on the UFC roster, has made a significant impact on the promotion despite his limited time there. His talent and potential have helped him gather the attention of fans and MMA pundits. Despite his success in the UFC and fan following, the fighter still faced visa issues in the UK.

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Mokaev’s impassioned rant on social media sheds light on the challenges and hurdles that even the brightest stars in the MMA world can face outside the Octagon, given certain unfair circumstances. Mokaev writes, “Why @ukhomeoffice always declines Russian citizens visas application. Why innocent people can’t travel because of bulshit political conflicts?.“

The fighter tagged the UK Home Office and questioned why his Russian nationality led to his having visa problems. Mokaev claimed that due to the socio-political situation, normal people should not face such problems. Currently, Mokaev is scheduled to fight Tim Elliott at UFC 294 in Abu Dhabi and his fans are expecting all his visa issues to be cleared by then. 

Related: WATCH: Muhammad Mokaev incredible submission with only one functioning leg will drop your jaw

When Muhammad Mokaev’s wife’s visa was refused by the UK 

Muhammad Mokaev (Image Courtesy Planet Sport)
Muhammad Mokaev (Image Courtesy Planet Sport)

In 2021, Mokaev faced legal issues after his wife’s visa was rejected after multiple attempts. Mokaev is a well-known wrestler in the UK and has represented the country at the highest level and won various medals. 

In 2012, Muhammad Mokaev and his family sought refuge in the United Kingdom, fleeing political persecution in Dagestan, Russia. In 2021, he eagerly anticipated the opportunity for his wife, Ms. Eldarbekova, aged 25, whom he married through an Islamic ceremony in October 2020, to be granted a visa to visit the UK. This visit held special significance as it would mark the first time she would meet Mokaev’s father.

However, the Home Office made the decision to reject the visa application. They based their refusal on the grounds that there was a lack of compelling evidence demonstrating Ms. Eldarbekova’s strong ties to both her home country, Russia, and her current residence in Bahrain. Furthermore, the department expressed skepticism about her willingness to depart from the United Kingdom, which ultimately led to her visa denial. It seems like two years later, the fighter is still facing similar problems, no matter how much he gains popularity or represents the nation in his fights.

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