RE: new to the game
It will be as long as the motor has the correct shaft size (2.3mm or 3.2mm) and the esc is meant for a car/truck. I've never heard of a 40amp car/truck esc unless its a no-name chinese esc. If its a plane or heli esc, I don't suggest using it.
Btw, the 1/18th scale mamba set-up is only $100. You're probably thinking of a mamba max...which is for 1/10th scales. Although the mamba motors are not good for the MQ (too small), the mamba 25 esc is a great choice.