Mokaev vs. Meredith: Wrestling Roots and Wildcards Collide at RAF06

On paper, Mohammad Mokaev and Bryce Meredith come from two different worlds but a closer look shows that these athletes were destined to meet at RAF06.

Hailing from “The Cowboy State,” Wyoming’s Bryce Meredith is no stranger to putting his community on his back and stealing the show. Meredith, the perennial underdog, became one of the most successful wrestlers in Wyoming history with two NCAA finals matchups and some of the most memorable matches in his generation. Few wrestling fans would have trouble pinpointing a match where they were pulling for “The Misfit.”

Following his NCAA career, Meredith would enter the world of MMA where he’s finding success early and often with a 7-1 record. A 7-1 record might make him a “fighter” to the masses but wrestling fans know he’s always going to be a wrestler who made his way into the cage.

Born in Dagestan, Russia, Muhammad Mokaev has made his name as a wrestling-first MMA mauler. His undefeated record perfectly tells the story of a grappling bully who has rarely, if ever, found himself an underdog.

The two may be known for their killer instincts but neither would be the household names they are without their wrestling backgrounds.

THE MATCHUP

Muhammad Mokaev: After being assigned “prodigy potential” in his early years as a freestyle and Greco Roman competitor, Mokaev earned his status with a strong first-step, chain defense and baiting his opponents into his pace. Mokaev may have never reached the folkstyle heights that Meredith has but his aggression, tie-control and relentless offense are enough to get his hand raised against anybody on roster.

Bryce Meredith: NCAA All-American known for creativity, scrambling and pace. Meredith’s personal flair off the mat mirrors his style on the mat. Unpredictable, chaotic and hard not to love. He may have come up just short a few times in college, but he’s one of the most skilled and resilient wrestlers in the world.

WHAT TO WATCH FOR

Meredith Controlling Pace: Bryce Meredith has made a career out of beating wrestlers in their own tempo. If he can force Mokaev into extended exchanges, he’ll force reactions and capitalize in the form of chain-scoring.

Mokaev’s Control: Mokaev’s greatest strengths are his intensity, his aggression and his ability to remove offensive options with ties. He has made a career out of winning matches and fights before they’ve even started but he’s also sealed many matches by preventing opponents from opening up and turning it into a barn burner.

Chaos & Disorder: Meredith’s bread and butter comes from forcing chaos and thriving in it. He’s one of the most skilled wrestlers of his era but also one of the most opportunistic. Mokaev’s game plan has always been to thwart offensive strengths, but there are few positions he could direct the action that don’t play into Meredith’s hand.

Both men may be away from the mat these days but the Arizona crowd is going to see first-hand that neither have left it behind. Be on the lookout for match of the night.

Will Mokaev’s intensity get the better of Meredith before the opening whistle or will “The Misfit” re-introduce himself to the wrestling world as the newest RAF featherweight contender? Find out Saturday, February 28 ONLY on Fox Nation!