It’s been a rollercoaster year for Muhammad ‘The Punisher’ Mokaev, who started 2024 with UFC title aspirations but found himself rounding out the year with a featured bout back in Brave CF.
Yet despite being axed from the UFC under controversial circumstances, the British-Dagestani phenom proved once again why he’s widely considered to be one of the best flyweights in the world.
Muhammad Mokaev scores first-round submission in his return to MMA
In the featured fight of Brave CF 91 this evening, Muhammad Mokaev improved his professional record to 13-0 with a beautiful first-round submission win over Joevincent So.
Labeled as ‘The Prodigal Son’ by the Brave broadcast team, Mokaev would make short work of his veteran opponent, locking in a D’Arce choke just one minute and 52 seconds into the very first round.
Speaking in the cage, Mokaev would note that it “feels amazing” to be back in his former stomping ground, adding that it “was important for me to finish this fight” in impressive fashion.
“I’m ready for everyone in this division and I believe that I will be pound-for-pound best flyweight in the world… They can deny, but they can’t hide… I’m coming for everyone in the 125lb division, I am the best flyweight in the world!”
Mokaev would then take the opportunity to thank those who have stuck by him through a staggeringly difficult year for the 24-year-old.
“I just want to thank everyone around the world who supports me in my hard situation in my career… All my team, my family and my friends, I will be back – and I will be back stronger and this only makes me stronger mentally and physically.
“I love you all. Thank you, Brave for this opportunity.”
Mokaev wants to eventually return to the UFC after controversial axing
Muhammad Mokaev might have found a new (old) home at Brave CF, but that isn’t to say that the undefeated flyweight is content with his career progressing outside of the UFC.
Over the past few months, Mokaev has either stated his intention to re-sign with the UFC directly or shared various posts from fans calling for him to re-join the roster.
In an effort to prove that he’s changed his ways, Mokaev has even offered to bury the hatchet with nemesis Manel Kape, who also competes this weekend, albeit at the UFC Fight Night card in Tampa, Florida.
“First of all, I apologised [for] what I did and moved on… I’m good bro, don’t worry about me Allah has better plans for me… I wish u all the best Manel and hope this not continue.”
Alexandre Pantoja speaks on potential future showdown with Mokaev
It wasn’t too long ago that UFC fans were debating how Mokaev would fare against champion Alexandre Pantoja and before his title win at UFC 310, Bloody Elbow was able to ask ‘The Cannibal’ about that matchup.
“Very interesting fight,” acknowledged the popular champion regarding ‘The Punisher’, celebrating the fact that there are so many exciting fights for him on the horizon.
“I like being in this position right now. Everybody knows about the flyweights. Before, the flyweight division was too new. Do you have a name?
“Now, everyone is talking about Muhammad [Mokaev], how good he is. He left the UFC and now he’s trying to come back… This is nice history.”
Pantoja would go on to submit Kai Asakura in the main event of UFC 310, before calling for a fight against the consensus FW GOAT Demetrious Johnson.
- DIAMOND: Dustin Poirier confuses fans with ‘there will be blood message’ as he offers UFC retirement update