Muhammad Mokaev knows exactly why his next fight won't be for the title.
Just last week, it was announced that UFC flyweight champion Alexandre Pantoja will defend his title against Western Australia's Steve Arseg in the headliner of UFC 301. This news came as a surprise to many as Erceg currently sits in 10th place in the rankings and was sent straight to the top.
Mokaev thought he would be next in line after defeating former title challenger Alex Perez to snap a six-fight win streak in the promotion. However, the No. 7 ranked flyweight still has work to do before facing the champion.
Don't get me wrong, I don't hate Pantoja and Erceg
As far as I know, the two top fighters are just doing their job and not fighting…
I just want to fight against the best fighters in the world and challenge myself!That's why I'm in the UFC
He has already defeated two former title contenders…— Muhammad Mokaev (@muhammadmokaev) March 16, 2024
Mokaev talks about his latest performance
Mokaev, who was initially frustrated by the way Pantoja fought what he thought was an “easy fight” in the division, has taken a step back and reflected on what went wrong for him, and it's clear that Pantoja fought in what he thought was an “easy fight” in the division. It started with the night against Perez where he was absent, and despite feeling emotional, he won by decision against Perez. He was “very sick” in the Octagon.
“I don't like my performance, but I like the way I won,” Mokaev told Home of Fight about his last fight. “Listen, Alex Perez and Tim Elliott were both title contenders in the past. I was 12 years old and in a refugee center when Alex Perez and Tim Elliott were fighting professionally. Even if we keep winning, they'll still turn on and watch even if it's boring. Sometimes it's boring for me too. I don't want to be there. Like I said, I don't want to be there that day. Ta [I fought Perez]. I just needed to get up and go out and recover, you know?
Mokaev: “How did I feel about what the UFC did to me?''
After the win, the undefeated title contender put himself forward to fight Pantoja at UFC 301, but to no avail. Mokaev says his “boring” performance against Perez was likely the deciding factor in the promotion going in a completely different direction.
But 'The Young Punisher' has no hard feelings regarding the UFC, as the 23-year-old looks to add more to his highlight reel as he prepares for a title shot.
“I'm really motivated to get a great finish in my next match,” Mokaev said. “Like all the doubters who think I can't finish guys, I was really, really motivated because they just said, 'I can't finish guys.' [you’re not] Because competing for titles is basically boring. That's how I felt the UFC did to me. that's ok. It's a knockout organization, it's a highlight organization. Realistically speaking, my performance wasn't great enough to give me a shot at highlights or the title. Some fans didn't like it, I didn't like it, but of course to me a win is a win. ”
What’s next for Brandon Roybal?
Mohammad Mokaev, who could be one or two wins away from competing for gold, entertained a battle with number one contender Brandon Roybal to get where he wants to be.
“If they want to see the real highlights before I go for the title, give me Brandon Roybal in Manchester, whatever. If there's an event in his hometown, I'll give him his I’m going to my hometown,” Mokaev added.
