Muhammad Mokaev stayed unbeaten in his second fight since exiting the UFC.
Mokaev had his title ambitions in MMA’s leading promotion stalled in 2024 despite extending his perfect Octagon record to 7-0 with a victory over Manel Kape.
Owing to outside-the-cage factors and alleged issues with the matchmakers, Dana White announced UFC was letting Mokaev go by not renewing his contract.
After initially attempting to rally fan support for an immediate return to the promotion, ‘The Punisher’ has since committed himself to forging a path back with impressive performances elsewhere.
And the latest bout in his pursuit of catching the UFC’s attention came this weekend.
Muhammad Mokaev defeats Thomas Assis by decision in 971 Fighting Championship
Mokaev’s first assignment after his exit from the UFC came last December when he returned to his former organization, Brave CF.
The Dagestan-born Brit made a statement against a late-notice opponent, with Mokaev submitting Joevincent So in under two minutes.
While he was unable to secure a similar finish, Mokaev once again emerged victorious in his first fight of this year, which took place Saturday in Dubai.
In the main event of 971 FC 2, ‘The Punisher’ earned a decision victory over Thomas Assis, a Brazilian fighter who has competed under the Jungle Fight banner and entered the contest against Mokaev with a 12-2 record.
While the bout took place at bantamweight, Mokaev made a number of claims about his superiority over the global field at his usual weight of 125 pounds, starting with remuneration.
“15-0,” Mokaev wrote on X. “Most (paid) fighter FLYWEIGHT in the world.
“Just never give up, face the challenges and become stronger. Doesn’t matter what you’re going through in your life!”
In another post, Mokaev made a different claim, switching focus from finances to skill.
“The best flyweight in the world.”
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Muhammad Mokaev targets UFC return for Alexandre Pantoja title fight
Another successful appearance away from the UFC has no doubt only boosted Mokaev’s hopes to make it back to the sport’s top organization.
Even before his victory on June 14, Mokaev reiterated his plan to get re-signed by Dana White for a long-discussed fight with UFC flyweight champion Alexandre Pantoja while speaking with Bloody Elbow.
“I believe I just need to put in a striking performance and win by spectacular finish, and people have already started talking about how I need to come back to the UFC. Of course, my dream is to become the best in the world.
“Pantoja is 36 years old, I’m 24, I’m in my peak. Remember, I was beating guys who were in their peak while I was 22. Now, I’m feeling much stronger, much better.
“Whatever has gone on in my career has made me mentally stronger. Now, I’m ready to fight for the belt.”
For now, Pantoja will have his sights set on Kai Kara-France, against whom ‘The Cannibal’ will defend his title in the co-main event of UFC 317 on June 28 in Las Vegas.