Muhammad Mokaev`s strategic plan to climb back to the pinnacle of mixed martial arts involves consistently competing and overcoming every opponent placed before him.
Since his departure from the UFC, Mokaev has remained highly active. He secured a dominant win over Joevincent So at BRAVE CF in December 2024, followed by a knockout victory against Bolat Zamanbekov under Karate Combat rules. His next fight is scheduled for June 14 against Alisher Gabdullin at 971 FC 2 in Dubai.
Mokaev considered taking another fight on June 7 at FCC 42, just a week before his Dubai bout, but ultimately felt it was “a bit too late.” Looking ahead, he aims to return to BRAVE CF between June and September to challenge for the company`s flyweight championship against the winner of the May 30 bout between Jose Torres and Dias Yerengaipov.
Explaining his busy schedule, Mokaev told MMA Fighting, “I just want to stay busy because I train all my life… For me, it`s make weight and that`s it, I`m ready to go against anyone in the world. I competed in IMMAF, amateur world championships, and I fought every day, so this is nothing new to me.” He emphasized his readiness and constant training regimen.
He revealed he nearly booked a major fight for later in 2025, one significant enough to potentially put other offers on hold.
“In September [2025], I was supposed to fight against Kyoji Horiguchi in PFL,” Mokaev stated. “PFL offered me this fight, September in Dubai. And then I see the news he got signed back to UFC.” Mokaev respects Horiguchi, along with UFC champion Alexandre Pantoja and Manel Kape, as the top flyweights. He viewed a victory over Horiguchi as a direct path back into the rankings. Horiguchi`s return to the UFC prevented this potential clash.
Horiguchi indeed vacated his RIZIN title and rejoined the UFC, initially being matched against Tagir Ulanbekov for a main event spot in Baku on June 21, though he was later withdrawn from the card for undisclosed reasons.
PFL currently does not have a flyweight division. However, according to Mokaev, “PFL said they’re willing to the open flyweight tournament if I join them.”
Mokaev acknowledged PFL`s positive approach: “They’ve been good to me, to me to be honest… whatever you want, you’re welcome.” Despite this, his primary hesitation lies in committing to a long-term contract. He respects all promotions but doesn`t want to feel restricted. He states he is transparent with organizations about his ultimate goal: to perform, enhance his ranking, and return to the UFC. He aims to be direct rather than misleading promoters who invest in him.
Mokaev boasts an impressive undefeated record across both amateur and professional MMA, totaling 35 bouts. At just 24, he rapidly ascended in the UFC before his release, which UFC CEO Dana White attributed to matchmakers having “many different reasons” for not being “big fans” of him.
Reflecting on his UFC departure, Mokaev admitted, “I did some mistakes, whatever happened. We are humans… I learned from it.” He believes those past issues are no longer relevant and his focus is on showcasing his striking. He questioned the timing of the `hard to work with` label, wondering why it only surfaced as he neared title contention, suggesting such difficulties would typically lead to an earlier exit.
For the time being, Mokaev is focused on accumulating wins. He signed a one-fight deal with Mounir Lazzez’s 971 FC and plans to continue signing single-bout contracts until he achieves his career objectives. This approach doesn`t diminish his focus on upcoming opponents like Gabdullin, recognizing that each victory makes the next challenge harder.
Mokaev discussed the challenges of finding opponents: “I don’t underestimate people… That’s my problem right now in my career. People might think like I’m fighting somebody not my level. Of course I’m not going to fighting on my level, I beat seven guys in the UFC.” He described instances where potential opponents pull out or demand unreasonable pay, forcing promotions to seek other fighters. He acknowledges this can lead to perceptions that he isn`t fighting top-tier competition, but highlights his UFC track record.
Analyzing Alisher Gabdullin, Mokaev stated, “I think [Gabdullin is] a good opponent. This should be confidence, and not underestimating opponent. You have to find this balance.” He emphasized the high stakes for his opponents, noting that a win over him could be career-defining, which fuels his daily training intensity. He feels the same competitive pressure walking out for smaller shows as he did in the UFC.
Mokaev respects Gabdullin as well-rounded, an former champion from Kazakhstan`s largest promotion (Octagon), and notes he has more professional wins. “In my head, all fighters are the same… Alisher can throw exactly the same 1-2 as me, and he knows how to shoot the double leg,” he said, but added that his own confidence on fight night gives him an edge over other flyweights.
His recent knockout victory in Karate Combat, his first in nearly five years, significantly boosted Mokaev`s confidence in his striking and his desire to display this aspect more in Dubai, potentially accelerating his path back to the UFC.
“Now I’m more excited to put my striking performance there,” Mokaev said about the knockout`s effect. “It gave me like believing in my striking abilities more. I don’t need to go shoot for takedown. Like, I go out, strike. If something doesn’t go into my plan in striking, I always gonna have plan B with my eyes closed.” While confident in his grappling as a fallback, he now wants to take risks and provide entertainment through his striking.
