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Undefeated Flyweight prospect Muhammad Mokaev has lofty aspirations. Particularly, he’s chasing Jon Jones’ document because the youngest champion in UFC historical past, a feat “Bones” achieved at 23 years of age, about 4 months previous to turning 24, by smashing Mauricio Rua in 2011.
Mokaev, whose personal twenty fourth birthday is in July, has simply over a month to surpass Jones … which feels unattainable given the straightforward incontrovertible fact that Pantoja isn’t booked to combat one month from now! Nonetheless, the 23-year-old wrestler has received 5 straight fights to start out his UFC profession, steadily advancing into the Flyweight High 10, and if it’s any silver lining, he could also be nearer to a title shot than many count on.
Principally as a result of Flyweight is a multitude and there’s no person else. Nonetheless, because of that chaos, his match up this weekend (Sat. March 2, 2024) at UFC Vegas 87 in opposition to former title challenger Alex Perez is instantly much more attention-grabbing.
“Brandon Royval, I believe he has (a torn) ACL,” Mokaev defined (through MMAJunkie). “Brandon Moreno is 0-3 in opposition to Pantoja. (Brandon) Royval is 0-2 in opposition to Pantoja. (Manel) Kape might be going to have another combat as a result of he didn’t make weight final time. (Amir) Albazi is injured. Kai Kara-France has a concussion as a result of once I requested to combat him, Mick (Maynard) stated he’s obtained a concussion, and he received’t be capable to combat.
“Now, I’m the one challenger, however I’ve to beat Alex Perez in a formidable manner.”
Alexandre Pantoja is concentrating on his second title protection at UFC 301 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil on Could 4, 2024. Although that’s technically too late to interrupt Jones’ document, Mokaev is greater than prepared to step up on a reasonably fast rebound from this weekend to combat for the belt at UFC 301.
“That’s 10 weeks from March 2, I already counted,” Mokaev stated. “I’m prepared. Like I stated, I’ve huge expertise in beginner profession, so I can combat each weekend.”
In accordance with a latest interview with Guilherme Cruz, Pantoja is open to the match up as nicely. In fact, Alex Perez might have one thing to say about these plans, so the primary victory on Saturday night time stays absolutely vital if this surprising title shot is to materialize.
Insomnia
Ricky Turcios says that Raul Rosas Jr. declined to have their bout rebooked for this weekend at UFC Vegas 87.
I stated sure to 145lbs in Vegas Saturday. My opponent couldn’t make it. All good. I’ve no animosity. ☯️
— Ricky Turcios (@RickyTurciosUFC) February 28, 2024
Uncommon MMA trash speak that truly made me chuckle.
The place the pinnacle goes, the physique will comply with.
Pantoja doesn’t get the respect he deserves for his physique of labor.
Congratulations to Sodiq Yusuff on a really cool alternative!
I’ve been backstage at fights, performing because the sparring accomplice (learn: punching bag) for a warming up fighter, and Aljamain Sterling describes it completely right here.
A clumsy second from UFC Mexico Metropolis defined …
Slips, rips, and KO clips
Mid-punch is a extremely unhealthy time to get kicked within the physique.
For my cash, this 2014 bout nonetheless ranks extremely as the most effective and most technical fights in MMA historical past.
Centrifugal drive on show!
Random Land
A catastrophe in additional methods than one … however a neat video near 40 years later.
Midnight Music: Jazz, 1962
Sleep nicely Maniacs! Extra martial arts insanity is at all times on the way in which.
