February 28, 2024 6:00 pm ET
LAS VEGAS– Muhammad Mokaev believes whatever has actually lined up for him to be the next title opposition at 125 pounds.
With injuries and losses afflicting a number of the leading competitors, Mokaev (11-0 MMA, 5-0 UFC) thinks he has a clear course to the belt must he win this Saturday at UFC Fight Night 238. Mokaev handles veteran Alex Perez (24-7 MMA, 6-3 UFC) on the primary card of the UFC Apex card, and he’s currently done the mathematics required for him to eliminate Alexander Pantoja next.
“Brandon Royval, I believe he has actually (a torn) ACL,” Mokaev stated on Wednesday at the UFC Fight Night 238 media day. “Brandon Moreno is 0-3 versus Pantoja. (Brandon) Royval is 0-2 versus Pantoja. (Manel) Kape is most likely going to have another battle since he didn’t make weight last time. (Amir) Albazi is hurt. Kai Kara-France has a concussion due to the fact that when I asked to combat him, Mick (Maynard) stated he’s got a concussion, and he will not have the ability to combat.
“Now, I’m the only opposition, however I need to beat Alex Perez in a remarkable method.”
Lots of anticipated to see Moreno get the next chance at Pantoja, however this previous Saturday he lost to Royval– who was coming off a loss to Pantoja. Not main, lots of anticipate the UFC to desire to book Pantoja for UFC 301, which takes location on May 4 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Pantoja’s home city.
Mokaev understands this card and the possible interest of having Pantoja protect his title there. And although it might look like a fast turn-around, he’s more than down to defend gold on that date.
“That’s 10 weeks from March 2, I currently counted,” Pantoja stated. “I’m prepared. Like I stated, I have huge experience in amateur profession, so I can combat every weekend.”
For more on the card, see MMA Junkie’s occasion center for UFC Fight Night 238.
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