Muhammad Mokaev set for second UFC fight, takes on LFA champion Charles Johnson

One of the hottest prospects in MMA has his second UFC fight booked – and it’s against an LFA champion.

Muhammad Mokaev (6-0 MMA, 1-0 UFC) will return July 23 for his sophomore UFC outing when he takes on promotional debutant Charles Johnson (11-2 MMA, 0-0 UFC) at a location and venue to be announced.

Two people with knowledge of the matchup confirmed the booking Thursday to MMA Junkie but asked to remain anonymous as the promotion has yet to make an official announcement. ESPN first reported the bout.

Mokaev, 21, signed with the UFC in late 2021. A highly-touted professional with an extensive undefeated amateur record, Mokaev made the jump to the “big leagues” look easy when he trucked and submitted Cody Durden in 58 seconds at UFC Fight Night 204.

Johnson, 31, is regarded by many as the best regional up-and-comer in his weight class in North America. A well-rounded brawler, Johnson has eight finishes in 11 wins including back-to-back knockouts in LFA title fights. At LFA 122 in January, Johnson retained his title in an all-time-entertaining win over Carlos Mota.

Not other fights have been announced for July 23 at this time.