The UFC flyweight division would seemingly be much better off with Muhammad Mokaev in it, but his return seems extremely unlikely at this point.
When Muhammad Mokaev was shockingly cut from the UFC after his seventh win in the promotion against Manel Kape, fans couldn’t quite get their heads around the situation.
UFC boss Dana White came out shortly after claiming that he was advised by his matchmakers to not re-sign the undefeated flyweight prospect because of difficulties around booking his fights.
Not long after being cut from the premier promotion, Mokaev asked the UFC if he could ‘fight for free’ as he was desperate to return and fulfil his dream of becoming a UFC champion.
Mokaev reveals he would turn down UFC return offer
Despite that, having offered his services for free before, ‘The Punisher’ seems to have changed his mind regarding a return to the UFC and has stated that he would turn down an offer if he was invited to compete on Dana White’s Contender Series.
Since his axing from the UFC, the 24-year-old has gone on to compete in several different combat sports, from grappling to Karate Combat. And he has continued showcasing why he is one of the most exciting flyweights in the world.
And it is because of that why he would turn down a potential offer from Dana White, telling Demetrious Johnson: “No, it doesn’t matter what I’ve done, I apologized but I’m not going (through) the Contender Series. I deserve to fight for the UFC flyweight belt.”
“Guys who I beat are doing really good right now. Joshua Van is getting the title shot, but he got knocked out by Charles Johnson who I took to school, I showed him levels,” Mokaev continued.
Mokaev predicts Alexandre Pantoja vs Joshua Van
Following an extremely impressive late notice win over Brandon Royval at UFC 317, Joshua Van earned himself a title shot against Alexandre Pantoja, with that fight yet to be officially booked.
Ahead of what guarantees to be an incredible matchup, Mokaev has offered his thoughts on the clash.
“Joshua Van has got really good boxing, I like his boxing and his confidence at his age because it’s rare you find guys at 23 years old in a big arena… I think Pantoja, even if he doesn’t prepare for that fight, just cuts weight and turns up, he will beat him.
“The experience level and Pantoja is just the daddy of the flyweight division, until Mokaev comes back,” Mokaev predicted.