Muhammad Mokaev returns to the Octagon for the second time this year as he takes on Tim Elliot at UFC 294.
The 23-year-old’s last fight came back in March at UFC 286, where he submitted Jafel Filho in the third round. During that fight, the young Brit had to face some adversity as he was caught in a knee-bar that caused a partial MCL tear.
Since then, “The Punisher” has claimed that he has struggled to find an opponent as he wanted to fight in August, but multiple ranked opponents turned him down, including Manel Kape.
The seven year veteran, Tim Elliot will be the man across from him, and at UFC 294 media day, Mokaev admitted to reporters he sees ‘holes’ in Elliot’s ‘awkward style’.
“He’s awkward to people that just stand and know simple boxing and wrestling, but I’m awkward to people too. I think this style is very interesting, he always puts on good performances because he’s a great fighter, he has good experience and when I have an opponent like this, it helps me to perform better.
“I don’t think there’s people like Tim. He moves crazy, but that’s what makes it an easier style for me than anyone else because I see a lot of holes in his game and a lot of openings,” he said.
This will be the first time the 23-year-old prospect has fought inside the UFC flyweight rankings and it has been relatively overdue. Since his emergence in the UFC, he has made it clear he wants to be the youngest champion ever.
With that in mind, Mokaev listed out several flyweights that he wants to fight next whilst also admitting that he doesn’t see Brandon Royval as a solid competitor in the division.
“I don’t see Brandon Royval as a competitor. I see Kai Kara-France, Amir Albazi and Manel Kape. Those fights I would like to fight before the title, one of them.”
Watch the full UFC 294 media day appearance from Muhammad Mokaev above.
