Muhammad Mokaev is in want of a late-notice alternative opponent if the date for his first outing since exiting the UFC is to stay intact.
Mokaev loved an undefeated run within the UFC throughout a three-year stint, rising up the ladder in a vogue that noticed many predict potential championship glory in his future. And by getting the higher of Manel Kape at UFC 304 in Manchester this previous July, the Dagestan-born Brit seemed to be near the entrance of the queue.
However extra than simply being snubbed for Alexandre Pantoja’s subsequent title protection, “The Younger Punisher” was eradicated from the equation altogether when the UFC opted to not renew his contract.
The choice got here after he struck Kape at a resort throughout combat week, with UFC CEO Dana White suggesting numerous points away from the cage left the matchmakers with unfavorable views on the younger fighter.
After his push for a direct Octagon return fell on deaf ears, Mokaev put pen to paper on a take care of his former group, Courageous Fight Federation. His debut was later confirmed for this weekend’s Courageous CF 91 occasion in Bahrain.
However catastrophe has struck simply days out from the cardboard, with Mokaev’s opponent Luthando Biko withdrawing attributable to a well being situation. The promotion introduced the information in a press launch Tuesday.
Per Courageous CF Press Launch:Muhammad Mokaev wants a brand new opponent simply three days earlier than his promotional comeback combat at #BRAVECF91. That’s as a result of Luthando Biko was compelled to withdraw from their scheduled flyweight contest attributable to well being points.
— Marcel Dorff
(@BigMarcel24) December 10, 2024
It stays to be seen if Mokaev will stay on the lineup, however Courageous CF is little question scrambling to safe a brand new foe for one in every of its most notable athletes.
The 24-year-old is but to deal with the information himself, as a substitute reposting numerous feedback on X calling for his re-signing with the UFC within the aftermath of Pantoja’s submission victory over Kai Asakura this previous weekend.
“The Cannibal’s” UFC 310 triumph has left him brief on recent challenges to his reign in 2025, solely including to the confusion of many with regards to the choice to let Mokaev go.
Learn Extra: Jan BÅ‚achowicz Set To Return After 20-Month Layoff At UFC London In 2025
