MUHAMMAD MOKAEV, a 12-year old refugee from Syria who could not speak English, arrived in England.
Nine years later, 'The Punisher" proudly flew St George’s flag at UFC London.
Muhammad Mokaev is back at UFC London's Octagon on Saturday night
Mokaev won a remarkable 58 second victory over Cody Durden during his UFC debut in March.
Nine years after he arrived in the UK as a refugee, The Punisher took his octagon bow.
In his UFC debut in March, Mokaev beat Cody Durden by a remarkable 58 second victory
When he walks to the octagon, the Punisher proudly displays the St George's flag.
Charles Johnson and Muhammad Mokaev will be in a duel at the UFC's second outing.
Mokaev stunned the O2 Arena by winning a spectacular 58 second submission win over Cody Durden during his maiden octagon fight.
Since that night at O2., the Manc's life has been transformed. He can't travel anywhere without being recognized and his life is now much easier.
His newfound fame and desire for UFC gold are not enough to him as an inspiration to fellow refugees.
SunSport spoke with the 21-year old: "I want people to be inspired, especially if they come from refugee backgrounds."
"I have been around these people for a while, I've been a refugee now for ten years.
"I couldn't travel normally because of this, that's why I was so happy to get my British passport.
People talk about refugees and say that they have no family and are content with what the government gives them.
"But, to get to the country, one must put themselves on the map in order to not be placed in the same circle with all refugees.
"You must stand out and believe in yourself. You don't need to know English to build things here.
"If you can do it in your country, it's possible to do it here." This is what I want to prove, and motivate those people.
Mokaev knew from childhood that he would make it to mixed martial arts' promised land. This belief was a strong one, and he believed in it well before making his amateur debut.
After finally signing his UFC contract, he was overcome by emotion.
The wrestler was feared and admitted that it was "special."
"But, to be honest the most exciting part of the journey it to prove to people that it is possible.
Muhammad Mokaev plans on ripping the roof off O2 Arena once more
"Because I heard many people tell me that you're not getting signed with a clean record. To be signed by UFC, you must be at least 10-0 and live in America.
"But I believed I would be there. I could have been there earlier, but I preferred to take my time and fight more in BRAVE. Now I'm ready for the challenge."
Mokaev will be defending his title against Charles Johnson, a fellow UFC rookie and former LFA flyweight champion.
Johnson is a major competitor for Mokaev but the youngster is certain of becoming his victim.
SunSport asked him to predict the outcome of the fight and he replied: "I'll finish. I'll finish [him] any way I want."
"On the feet, on ground, outside the cage, anywhere"
He said, "Round two. I'll finish him."
Mokaev, a three-time IMMAF gold medallist, is thrilled to be in the UFC. But he doesn’t want to just make up the numbers.
The Dagestani-born Brit intends to make history in Las Vegas' fight promotion.
He stated that his goal was to be the youngest UFC champion. I think I can achieve that goal next year.
