Muhammad Mokaev won’t be deterred after his surprise UFC release.
Despite remaining unbeaten in a unanimous decision win over Manel Kape at UFC 304 in July, Mokaev (13-0) was not re-signed by the UFC. The young flyweight contender left the promotion on bad terms, but has hopes of someday making it back to the octagon.
He has since re-joined his original home – BRAVE CF, which helped kickstart his professional career. Mokaev takes on former EFC champion Luthando Biko (12-3) in a flyweight bout Dec. 13 at BRAVE CF 91 from Khalifa Sports City in Bahrain.
In a recent interview with MMA Junkie, Mokaev described his tumultuous 2024, as well as his future plans.
Mokaev’s rollercoaster 2024
“2024 was a tough year for me. Before the fight against Alex Perez in March, I had a staph infection going into that fight. I then got a head butt from Manel Kape just one week before the fight and had to fight with a big eyebrow cut. I won the fight, but I didn’t fight the way I wanted. Still, a win is a win. Second was in July, after the event in Manchester, the UFC decided not to continue with my contract. In August, I suffered a car crash. A lot of things happened. But you know, I am a fighter inside the cage, and I’m also a fighter outside of the cage. So all these things, all the adversity, only makes me better and stronger, both mentally and physically.”
Re-joining BRAVE CF
“I was at the UFC event in August in Abu Dhabi. I met with Sheikh Khalid (bin Hamad Al Khalifa). After that, I came to Bahrain, sat down with him and BRAVE CF president Mohammed Shahid and we got the deal done. They offered me a huge purse to fight in BRAVE CF and they welcomed me back. Of course, I fought for BRAVE CF before, even before I joined the UFC. They have been looking after me since I was 15 years old, when I was just starting my MMA career, so I was happy to join BRAVE CF. They have always supported my dream.”
Matchup with Luthando Biko
Mixed Martial Arts – UFC 304 – Manchester – Co-op Live, Manchester, Britain – July 28, 2024. Muhammad Mokaev celebrates after winning his fight against Manel Kape. REUTERS/John Sibley
“I think I will finish him. He’s a good wrestler, has a good record – you have to respect his experience. He was a two-time amateur champion and held the belt in Africa twice as a pro, but I believe I’ve developed my striking. I haven’t fought since July, so I had even more time to develop my standup game. I’ll finish him.”
No BRAVE CF title shot?
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – JULY 27: Muhammad Mokaev of Russia celebrates his victory against Manel Kape of Angola in a flyweight bout during the UFC 304 event at Co-op Live on July 27, 2024 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Ben Roberts Photo/Getty Images)
“I was not surprised at all. I had a detailed talk with BRAVE CF president Mohammed Shahid and we have a clear plan ahead, and I’m really interested in being a part of it. As I said, BRAVE supports my dream. The shared goal is to see who is the best flyweight in the world. Their doors are open for anyone – it doesn’t matter where they’re currently fighting. We’ll see who is the best (flyweight), and I know that is me.”
Pressure to perform?
“I have no pressure. I mean, of course, every fight you have some pressure, but it’s not something new, something that I’ve never been through. I just think of it as another test, another exam. I have done my homework, and I’m ready to perform again on Dec. 13.”
Goals for 2025
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – JULY 27: Muhammad Mokaev of Russia celebrates his victory against Manel Kape of Angola in a flyweight bout during the UFC 304 event at Co-op Live on July 27, 2024 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Ben Roberts Photo/Getty Images)
“In 2025, my goal is just to keep fighting, keep winning and keep my name out there. BRAVE CF has one of the best flyweight divisions in the world, and there are a lot of exciting matchups there. I’ll keep showing everybody why I am the best flyweight in mixed martial arts.”
