Former UFC flyweight contender Muhammad Mokaev has asserted that he would easily defeat the current UFC champion, Joshua Van.
The British-Dagestani fighter remains one of the top flyweights globally, though he is still awaiting his return to the premier MMA organization. The 25-year-old holds an undefeated professional record of 15-0, with an equally impressive amateur record of 23-0. The anticipation surrounding his UFC debut in March 2022 was justified, and he delivered an explosive victory against Cody Durden.
Despite his success, reaching a 7-0 record within the UFC, Mokaev was released from the promotion. It’s understood that behind-the-scenes issues contributed to their parting ways. However, Mokaev has continued to evolve and improve, remaining active in his pursuit of a return to the elite level of MMA. A highly anticipated matchup against fellow top flyweight Adriano Moraes was scheduled for the Rousey vs. Carano MVP card on Netflix in May, but visa complications prevented it from happening.
This Saturday in Madrid, Mokaev is set to face veteran Jorge Calvo. While Calvo, from Costa Rica, brings considerable experience with a record of 20-7, he has never faced an opponent of Mokaev’s caliber.
Muhammad Mokaev Ahead of WOW Debut
Ahead of his bout this weekend in the Spanish capital, the talented flyweight spoke with Alvaro Colmenero on his YouTube channel, KOlmenero. Mokaev has competed in various promotions since his UFC departure in 2024, and this will mark his debut in WOW, Spain’s largest MMA organization.
Mokaev explained his choice to compete in WOW: “I chose to fight in Spain because I’ve never fought here, I’d never been here, and I’ve competed all over the world. Right now, at this stage of my career, I just want to travel the world, compete, gain fans, and perform in front of the fans I already have.”
Regarding a potential return to the UFC, Mokaev discussed the current flyweight division and its champion, Joshua Van. “I believe because I had 7 fights with the best organization in the world, and right now there are four guys in the top 15 list – one of those is ranked number 2 who I’ve already beaten. If I were losing, maybe like 50/50, I would never be thinking maybe I come back, but when you beat everybody there, and how confident I am that I can be champion today.”
Mokaev made strong assertions about the current champion, Van. “The 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 am that 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 compete for the title immediately?
