WASHINGTON — [autotag]Makhmud Muradov[/autotag]’s MMA career is under the tutelage of one of the greatest boxers of all-time.
The UFC middleweight, who competes on Saturday at UFC on ESPN 7 against Trevor Smith, is part of Floyd Mayweather’s The Money Team. TMT, though, has mainly been associated with boxers which makes the connection with Muradov (23-6 MMA, 1-0) interesting.
Muradov says the relationship with Maywether started a few years back in one of Maywether’s trips to Czech Republic.
“I’m The Money Team, my brothers are here to support me, so I’m The Money Team because they’ve helped me, support me,” Muradov told MMA Junkie. “Floyd my brother. It’s not a team, it’s a family. Four years ago, Floyd came to visit Czech and I met him and after talking, I’m now Money Team.”
Ray Sadeghi, Mayweather’s personal bodyguard, was also present during the interview with Muradov and added a few more details to the connection between the UFC fighter and the boxing superstar.
“We had an appearance a long time in Czech Republic and we got to meet one of his (Muradov) guys, so we connect over there,” Sadeghi said. “Ever since then, me Muradov became close friends and I’ve been with Floyd for eight years – I’ve been his main personal bodyguard.
“And ever since then, Muradov has been traveling all over the world with Floyd, going to Miami to watch the basketball games, everything, so we do everything together. He’s part of TMT and he’s family. And nothing would be possible without our brother Floyd Mayweather.”
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Mayweather has been an instrumental figure in Muradov’s career.
“He’s helped me mentally all the time, supporting me, he’s a very big motivation for me,” Muradov said. “He’s the best boxer in the world, so I’m happy I have a friend, family, and brother in Floyd Mayweather.”
Sadeghi also agrees about Maywether’s positive influence.
“Whether it’s MMA or boxing, it’s still a combat sport,” Sadeghi added. “And Floyd’s numbers don’t lie, he’s 50-0 and he’s the best pound-for-pound boxer, so any advice he can give Muradov, it can be used in MMA as well.”
Recently, Mayweather was seen with UFC president Dana White at a basketball game in Los Angeles, and with White planning on getting involved in boxing, many have wondered if there’s something in the works between the two promoters.
Sadeghi said something big is coming, but was discrete about revealing any details.
“Yes, who doesn’t want to see ‘Money’ Maywether come back again,” Sadeghi said. “Floyd is going to fight boxing again. Floyd is a boxer not an MMA fighter, but you never know, for that you have to stay tuned. But something big is coming up between Dana White and Floyd Mayweather, The Money Team, but that’s secret. I can’t tell you right now.”
Regardless of whatever is cooking between Maywether and White, Muradov is happy to be in the UFC and even happier he’s not fighting Smith on a 10-day notice.
“I feel good because I’ve been preparing for three weeks, not one week like my first fight in the UFC,” Muradov said. “I took my first UFC fight in 10 days and now I have three weeks so I’m ready. I’m here in Washington to get my next win.”
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