LAS VEGAS – Muhammad Mokaev thinks everything has lined up for him to be the next title challenger at 125 pounds.
With injuries and losses plaguing many of the top contenders, Mokaev (11-0 MMA, 5-0 UFC) believes he has a clear path to the belt should he win this Saturday at UFC Fight Night 238. Mokaev takes on veteran Alex Perez (24-7 MMA, 6-3 UFC) on the main card of the UFC Apex card, and he’s already done the math needed for him to fight Alexander Pantoja next.
“Brandon Royval, I think he has (a torn) ACL,” Mokaev said on Wednesday at the UFC Fight Night 238 media day. “Brandon Moreno is 0-3 against Pantoja. (Brandon) Royval is 0-2 against Pantoja. (Manel) Kape is probably going to have one more fight because he didn’t make weight last time. (Amir) Albazi is injured. Kai Kara-France has a concussion because when I asked to fight him, Mick (Maynard) said he’s got a concussion, and he won’t be able to fight.
“Now, I’m the only challenger, but I have to beat Alex Perez in an impressive way.”
Many expected to see Moreno get the next shot at Pantoja, but this past Saturday he lost to Royval – who was coming off a loss to Pantoja. Although not official, many expect the UFC to want to book Pantoja for UFC 301, which takes place on May 4 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Pantoja’s home city.
Mokaev is aware of this card and the potential interest of having Pantoja defend his title there. And although it may seem like a quick turnaround, he’s more than down to fight for gold on that date.
“That’s 10 weeks from March 2, I already counted,” Pantoja said. “I’m ready. Like I said, I have big experience in amateur career, so I can fight every weekend.”
For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC Fight Night 238.
