There’s been a late shake-up to the MVP MMA card on Netflix later this month.
Muhammad Mokaev (16-0, 1NC), a former UFC flyweight and undefeated talent released by the UFC under controversial circumstances, was to have faced Adriano Moraes (21-6) at the event on May 16, 2026.
However, with Mokaev encountering visa issues, it’s Phumi Nkuta stepping in to take his place.
News of Nkuta’s involvement was first reported by MMA Junkie’s Nolan King.
Per Mokaev, his visa wasn’t rejected, he simply wasn’t given an appointment in time to secure it. He also revealed that he had warned Moraes of the possible complication weeks ago.
“Four weeks out I texted my opponent, I did my full camp, visa wasn’t refused, just couldn’t [find] appointment slots,” Mokaev stated on social media in response to the news.
Nkuta (11-0) has won titles in Cage Fury FC and Urijah Faber’s A1 Combat. He’s long been considered a prospect at flyweight, one with serious UFC potential, but has yet to been given a shot by the promotion.
Moraes is a former ONE Championship champ best known for his series with flyweight great Demetrious “Mighty Mouse” Johnson. He’s the first and only fighter to stop Johnson, in the pair’s first encounter in 2021. Johnson would win the following two fights in their trilogy.
MVP MMA 1 airs on Netflix on Saturday, May 16, 2026 with Ronda Rousey vs. Gina Carano headlining. Francis Ngannou vs. Philipe Lins and Nate Diaz vs. Mike Perry also feature on the card.
