Former UFC flyweight contender Muhammad Mokaev has voiced his strong belief that he could easily defeat the current UFC champion, Joshua Van.
The British-Dagestani fighter remains a top-tier talent in the flyweight division, though he is currently awaiting his return to the premier MMA organization. At 25 years old, Mokaev boasts an undefeated professional record of 15-0, building on an impressive amateur career of 23-0. His UFC debut in March 2022 was spectacular, marked by an explosive victory over Cody Durden.
Despite his rising status and a 7-0 record within the UFC, Mokaev was surprisingly released from the promotion. Reports indicate behind-the-scenes issues contributed to the parting of ways. Mokaev has since dedicated himself to continuous improvement and staying active, aiming for a return to the highest level of MMA. A highly anticipated matchup against fellow elite flyweight Adriano Moraes was set to take place on the Rousey vs. Carano MVP card on Netflix in May, but visa complications prevented his participation.
This Saturday, Mokaev is scheduled to compete in Madrid against veteran Jorge Calvo. While Calvo, hailing from Costa Rica with a 20-7 record, brings experience, Mokaev’s level of competition has been significantly higher than any of Calvo’s previous opponents.
Muhammad Mokaev Ahead of WOW Debut
In anticipation of his fight this weekend in the Spanish capital, Mokaev spoke with Alvaro Colmenero on his YouTube channel, KOlmenero. Having competed in numerous promotions since his UFC departure in 2024, this bout will mark his debut in WOW, Spain’s largest MMA organization.
Mokaev explained his choice to fight in Spain: “I chose to fight in Spain because I never fought here, I had never been here and I have competed everywhere around the world. Right now at this stage of my career I just want to travel around the world, compete, gain fans and perform in front of the fans I have already.”
Discussing a potential return to the UFC, Mokaev commented on the current flyweight division and its champion, Joshua Van. “I believe because I had 7 fights with the best organisation in the world and right now there’s four guys in the top 15 list, one of those is ranked number 2 who I already beat. If I was losing maybe like 50/50 I would never be thinking maybe I come back but when you beat everybody there and how confident I can be champion today.”
Mokaev delivered particularly strong remarks regarding the current champion, Van: “Champion’s name is Joshua Van right so my confidence and how much I love my career I am ready to like retire if I don’t beat this guy, that’s how confident I can be champion today. Easy fight, easy money I believe this is right now the perfect fight for me. I can beat him 10 times out of 10.”
The question remains: if Mokaev were to return to the UFC, would he be granted an immediate title shot?