Former unbeaten promotional solid off, Muhammad Mokaev has as soon as extra staked his declare for a return to the UFC later this yr, claiming he’s the only flyweight on the earth proper now who possesses the power to topple present champion, Alexandre Pantoja.
Mokaev, who made his second debut outing with Center Japanese-based group, Courageous CF final yr, turned in his fourteenth profession win with a dominant first spherical D’Arce choke submission win over short-notice alternative, Joevincent So.
And in his remaining Octagon bout, Mokaev improved on his roughshod run by way of the flyweight division, taking dwelling a hard-fought unanimous determination win over incoming headliner, Manel Kape at UFC 304 final summer season.
Nonetheless, following the bout, Mokaev — who had accomplished his contractual obligations with the Dana White-led promotion, was notified he wouldn’t be supplied a brand new deal — with the CEO claiming sure officers and matchmakers have been lower than pleased to proceed working with the expertise.
Muhammad Mokaev continues marketing campaign for UFC comeback
And within the months since, Mokaev has campaigned for a second probability on the Octagon — with White seemingly frequently tired of providing him a route again to the UFC.
But to be booked for his return to motion, Dagestan-born contender, Mokaev informed Ariel Helwani for Uncrowned this night of his intentions to return to the UFC, claiming no one on their present roster may dethrone the incumbent, Pantoja — till he returns.
“I think I’m the only guy who can beat this [Alexandre Pantoja] guy in this division,” Muhammad Mokaev defined. “My model is like — I bear in mind Alex Pantoja earlier than [the] Alex Perez [fight] stated, if he wins this struggle, I’ll struggle him.
I’ll defend my belt towards him. After which after I beat Alex Perez, he stated his win wasn’t thrilling,” Muhammad Mokaev stated. “I’m like, what do you mean? Because I trained with him, and I know his style, and I’m the only guy who can beat Alex Pantoja right now in this division.”
Himself but to e-book his personal return, Brazilian kingpin, Pantoja has been closely linked with a comeback at UFC 314 in April in a title protection towards Kai Kara-France, nonetheless, a matchup has but to be confirmed by the promotion.
Most lately headlining UFC 310 as a part of the ultimate flagship card of final yr, Pantoja made quick work of former undisputed Rizin FF champion, Kai Asakura with an eventual second spherical rear-naked choke submission victory.
