Flyweight prospect Muhammad Mokaev is back this weekend and faces a tough challenge in Alex Perez at UFC Vegas 87. Unbeaten in the UFC and in his professional career, (11-0) the British phenom is hoping to take another big step towards UFC gold on Saturday. Just how far away is ‘The Punisher’ from a title shot?
Mokaev Aims to Stake a Claim at UFC Vegas 87
Mokaev amassed an impressive amateur record of 23-0 before signing to Brave Combat Federation. Less than two years later he signed for the UFC and secured a guillotine choke submission against Cody Durden on his debut. It took him less than a minute to get the job done.
A decision win against Charles Johnson in London followed, before three submission wins in a row in the space of a year. A new star was rising quickly.
His last win against Tim Elliott was the statement victory he needed. Elliott is by far the biggest name on Mokaev’s record and the win propelled him into the top 10. If he gets through Perez on Saturday night at UFC Vegas 87, a shot at the belt may not be too far away. Mokaev has called out Kai Kara-France in the past, and this fight could be his ticket to greatness.
Mokaev vs Perez
As it stands, Mokaev is one place below Perez in the rankings. The 23-year-old will like his chances against Perez who has not won a fight since the summer of 2020 before losing a title fight to Deiveson Figueiredo later that year.
Mokaev has a solid grappling and wrestling game that has been a problem for all he has faced so far. He wears his opponents down while always looking for a submission. Perez can wrestle too, but he has become more well-known for his striking. Mokaev may look to secure a takedown early and make his way to the back of Perez. Time and time again he has proven his ability to pass and advance his position.
Mokaev will be ready for three hard rounds if necessary, and the pace and pressure of the Dagestani-born fighter could be too much for Perez. The American will know that his opponent has been vulnerable in the past though. If Mokaev didn’t lock in the submission against Elliott, then he may have lost on the scorecards. The young prospect also had a scare against Jafel Filho. Somehow Mokaev escaped a nasty kneebar attempt in that one.
Prediction for UFC Vegas 87: Mokaev vs Perez
Mokaev has six submission wins to his name. Perez has lost his last two fights by way of submission. Despite his experience, I can’t see Perez putting a stop to Mokaev’s rise here, so I am picking ‘The Punisher’ to win via submission.
Do you believe Muhammad Mokaev is close to a title shot? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
