LAS VEGAS – Muhammad Mokaev admits decisions don’t typically help resumes when it comes to UFC title shots, but is confident other aspects of his streak make up for the isolated shortcoming.
At UFC Fight Night 238, Mokaev (11-0 MMA, 6-0 UFC) won a unanimous decision over former UFC title challenger Alex Perez (24-8 MMA, 6-4 UFC) at the UFC Apex. Although he wanted a finish, Mokaev said he battled illness throughout the day that hindered his performance (and even provided receipts on X, in puke picture form).
“Last night, I had a sore throat,” Mokaev told MMA Junkie and other reporters at a post-fight news conference. “Then, in the morning I was throwing up. My team said, ‘Listen, you’ve been through tougher things in life.’ So I put my clothes on and went for a run. I did some rounds this morning at 7 in the morning. I felt a little bit better, went to sleep and came to the arena. Of course, I wasn’t myself. But for me, the main thing was to beat myself to turn up for the fight. Whatever. I know the UFC don’t like the decision. For me, I beat myself today. That was most important.”
7am , ain’t pulling out
I know it wasn’t my best performance but I beat myself this morning , that’s the main part of the day! pic.twitter.com/B4HlWlnCtr— Muhammad Mokaev (@muhammadmokaev) March 2, 2024
The UFC flyweight division title picture is a bit unclear at the moment.
Titleholder Alexandre Pantoja stated he wants to compete May 4 at UFC 301. Mokaev wants to be his dance partner, but there’s also fellow top contender Brandon Royval waiting in the wings.
Mokaev, 23, has a hunch he’ll be next, but ultimately he admits it’ll come down to how the UFC views his decision win.
“It depends on the UFC,” Mokaev said. “Like I said, they don’t like decisions. I don’t like decisions, but I’m 23 years old. Who else apart from Jon Jones at this age have done six fights within two years? It’ll be two years in this organization March 18 (that) I’ll be in UFC. I fight back-to-back. Of course I want to relax, rest, take a rest. But once I came to the UFC, I said, ‘I just want to go to the title all the way.'”
For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC Fight Night 238.
