‘I want the belt’… Muhammad Mokaev targets Alexandre Pantoja after big win at UFC 304

After claiming yet another tremendous victory at UFC 304 against Manel Kape, Muhammad Mokaev has set his sights on flyweight champion Alexandre Pantoja.

Following a week of backstage brawls and angry words, the Brit proved once again why he’s one of the most talented fighters in the division.

Muhammad Mokaev would love to challenge Alexandre Pantoja for flyweight gold

At just 23, Mokaev is ready for a title shot. However, with his latest outing being the last on his UFC contract, his future in the promotion is uncertain. But while this is the case, it remains his mission to win the most prestigious belt in the sport, and thus hopes that a deal can be made and a clash with Pantoja isn’t too far away.

At the post-fight press conference, he told Sporf: “Yes, I want to fight for the belt. I hope UFC give me a new contract. My current contract with the UFC is finished. I know they want exciting fights, I tried to put my striking together. For the first time in my career, I was standing with the best flyweight striker.”

Throughout his time in the sport, while dominant, Mokaev has received some criticism for his wrestling-heavy style. However, tonight, he went out of his way to display his kickboxing skills and give the fans a genuine spectacle.

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He explained: “I stood with the best striker in the flyweight division. I know I shot for the takedown, but that was because I went for the fake to make him believe that I was going to keep shooting to make him worry about his takedown defence.

“I didn’t go too aggressive. My intention was to save my energy. As you see, in every fight, I come out crazy in the first round and then get tired in the third, but today, I was feeling fresh. At the end of the first round, I didn’t even sit down, I was waiting for Manel to get up.”

Featured Image Credit: UFC