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Muhammad Mokaev responds to criticism surrounding UFC 286 opponent: ‘No top 15 available for March’
Muhammad Mokaev continues to struggle landing ranked opposition.
Mokaev (9-0 MMA, 3-0 UFC) has been booked against Dana White’s Contender Series graduate Jafel Filho (14-2 MMA, 0-0 UFC) at UFC 286 on March 18 at The O2 in London. The event airs on pay-per-view following prelims on ESPN and ESPN+.
The undefeated 22-year-old hopes to become the youngest champion in UFC history. With such lofty ambitions, many have questioned why he continues to fight newcomers or unranked opposition. But Mokaev says no one was willing to step up – including Alex Perez, whom he has continuously called out.
“UFC Matcmaker Mick Maynard told me that no top 15 available for March 19th so I said give me anyone! April we have Ramadan, June I gonna start training and I didn’t want to waste time and miss this card! I tried my best to get top 15 opponent who could get me close to the belt.”
“Also I went to Thailand to get ready for February 12th card in Australia but Alex Perez didn’t accept
because he is too old and slow #facts.”
Also I went to Thailand to get ready for February 12th card in Australia but Alex Perez didn’t accept
— Muhammad Mokaev (@muhammadmokaev) January 16, 2023
Mokaev’s spot on the UFC’s return to London was in jeopardy after he underwent shoulder surgery in late December. But the active flyweight insisted on competing before observing Ramadan, which starts March 22.
“I’m most active fighter in the UFC flyweight division! You like it or not I don’t care! March 18th it will my 4th fight in 12 months! I will see my people in London #UFC286.”
I’m most active fighter in the UFC flyweight division! You like it or not I don’t care!
March 18th it will my 4th fight in 12 months! I will see my people in London #UFC286 pic.twitter.com/qrc6ZhmvKu— Muhammad Mokaev (@muhammadmokaev) January 16, 2023
Mokaev fought three times in 2022 and capped his year off with a third-round submission of Malcolm Gordon at UFC 280 in Abu Dhabi.
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