Muhammad Mokaev says he's the only challenger for Alexandre Pantoja, down for May turnaround at UFC 301
Muhammad Mokaev believes he's fighting for UFC gold should be beat Alex Perez this Saturday.
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.