Muhammad Mokaev plots octagon return in 2025: 'I need to turn out to be UFC champion'

by Christina S. Brown
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ABU DHABI – Muhammad Mokaev nonetheless has religion that he’ll make his manner again to the UFC.

Regardless of enhancing to 7-0 within the octagon with a win over Manel Kape at UFC 304, the UFC opted to not re-sign Mokaev (13-0 MMA, 7-0 UFC). Dana White introduced the information in harsh trend throughout the post-fight information convention.

As an undefeated fighter on the cusp of flyweight title competition, Mokaev knew one thing was off when he wasn’t supplied a brand new contract throughout his UFC deal.

“I used to be feeling this as a result of it was my final struggle on the contract. I used to be feeling one thing not going proper,” Mokaev instructed MMA Junkie. “I don’t suppose it’s due to what occurred between me and Manel on the lodge as a result of often they modify the contract not on the final struggle, perhaps like two fights left. However I used to be on my final struggle, and I requested for a brand new contract, I couldn’t get it, and I felt one thing was happening.”

Mokaev thinks the UFC’s choice got here due to a mixture of issues – his conduct, which included a number of altercations with Kape, in addition to his preventing model. He has since signed with BRAVE CF, his dwelling previous to becoming a member of the UFC.

“I’ve been instructed I have to have extra finishes contained in the octagon,” Mokaev mentioned. “However I’m 7-0, 4 finishes, I used to be 23 years previous, I don’t know what else? I can’t get seven out of seven. I attempted my greatest. I got here out from all huge accidents, nonetheless competing, nonetheless accepting the large names. Now within the UFC, I’ve 5 fighters who I beat, all in high 15, and I feel I simply want to sit down down and converse to Dana.

“I spoke to Hunter (Campbell) straight after what occurred in Manchester. He mentioned, ‘We’ll see you again within the UFC,’ however perhaps they need to see me mature extra exterior the octagon, however no matter occurred, I’m prepared to return again now. I’m preventing in BRAVE, so every time they name me, I’m prepared. I need to turn out to be UFC champion, and I knew I may as a result of I used to be very, very near it.”

Mokaev, who competes in Friday’s ADXC 6 occasion when he takes on fellow ex-UFC fighter Rogerio Bontorin in a no-gi grappling match, hopes he can name the octagon his dwelling once more subsequent yr.

“I feel one or two fights,” Mokaev mentioned. “I feel that’s the quantity of fights that I have to do, however I simply need to keep busy.”

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