Ahead of his UFC 304 showdown against Manel Kape this coming Saturday, Muhammad Mokaev has revealed that it is the final fight on his current UFC contract and he is hoping to earn an improved deal.
Since debuting with the UFC back in 2022, Muhammad Mokaev has become one of the most highly regarded blue-chip prospects in the sport.
His last fight was his toughest test to date as he took on former UFC flyweight title challenger, Alex Perez, and went on to pick up the unanimous decision win against the veteran.
Muhammad Mokaev reveals he is on the final fight of his contract
Six impressive wins into his UFC tenure and the 23-year-old is already set for what is likely a number one contender fight in the 125lb division.
That, though, comes in what is the final fight on his current UFC contract, as ‘The Punisher’ has revealed that his current contract is up after his UFC 304 fight.
Initially, the exciting flyweight fight was set to take place on the main card, then it was moved to be the featured prelim bout. However, it has now been bumped all the way down to take place as the first fight of the entire night.
“I’m on the last fight (of my deal) with UFC. This is my last fight on my contract, and I need to put on a good performance to negotiate the new contract. It depends on my performance,” Mokaev told MMA on Sirius XM.
Despite it being the final fight on his current deal, the 23-year-old will likely be offered a new contract, and he has admitted his goal is still the same, and that is to capture UFC gold.
“I want to chase the gold, and I hope the UFC give me a contract. I just want to fight for the belt. Even if they give me one more fight after this. I’ve had six fights. I already have more finishes in the UFC (than others).
“It doesn’t matter if I fight them now or if I’m gonna defend the belt, I’m gonna face them anyway,” Mokaev continued.
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Mokaev admits he’s on ‘lowest payments’ despite win streak
Mokaev’s goal was always to become the youngest-ever UFC champion, hoping to knock Jon Jones off his perch.
Despite that, the Dagestani-born wrestler lost that possibility earlier this year. Although he can no longer achieve his main goal, the 23-year-old isn’t chasing money.
“It doesn’t matter to me about money. I’m on one of the lowest payments out of fighters right now and I never, never ask for much on the fight and get my name out there,” Mokaev admitted.
The UFC’s show and win structure has been criticized for several years, with newcomers more often than not on 12k to show and 12k to win.
His pay may not be his biggest concern this time round, it may be whether Manel Kape will make it to the Octagon. ‘Starboy’ has unfortunately picked up a reputation of missing weight and withdrawing from fights, with it only certain once he’s stepped into the Octagon.
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