There’s no questioning that Muhammad Mokaev, given a steadier approach, had the potential to rise to worldwide fame within the UFC. After parting ways with the UFC, he hasn’t hesitated to target notable figures in the UFC as he explores opportunities to return to Dana White’s league. His latest spat involved Kai Kara-France, who derided Mokaev as a lackluster combatant.
Mokaev quickly retaliated by emphasizing that his comparatively short two-year career holds greater significance than Kara-France’s eight-long year tenure in the sport. This exchange of words unfolded when Kai Kara-France offered a candid critique about Mokaev’s combat style, branding it as mundane.
According to Kara-France, a true fight craves action, not mere wrestling or clinching. He also condemned Mokaev for dropping his rival’s pants during a bout, asserting that the audience doesn’t pay to witness fighters merely engaging in ground maneuvers like ‘dry h*mping’.
Mokaev swiftly countered Kai Kara-France’s comments by underlining that his record boasts more victories by knockout or submission than Kara-France, even though his tenure in the UFC only spans two years and consists of seven bouts. ‘The Punisher’, as he is known, highlighted that he accomplished four of these finishes, despite dealing with two significant injuries.
In contrast, he pointed out that Kara-France has fought in the UFC for eight years, with the majority of his victories arriving via decision and a mere three finishes. Furthermore, Mokaev invited ‘Don’t Blink’, as Kara-France is known, to ‘crunch the numbers’ and went on to state that Manel Kape is his real rival in the flyweight division.
Post UFC 310, it appeared as though Alexandre Pantoja had exhausted the roster of meaningful opponents in the flyweight division. This has led to increased calls for Mokaev’s reinstatement and a potential showdown with Pantoja for the championship belt. These proponents, led by Michael Bisping, see this as a fresh and thrilling battle that could rock the status quo of the division.
Bisping acknowledges Mokaev’s risqué actions but believes the young athlete is still shaping his maturity. According to Bisping, this bout represents an ideal amalgamation of combat styles and a competition the flyweight division would sorely regret missing.
The prospect of Mokaev’s comeback brings an element of intrigue, as he was once a much-heralded prospect in the fight game. With no losses on his record and his reputation as a formidable menace in the flyweight division, his return could ignite the competitive spirits in the weight category.