Khabib Nurmagomedov Predicts Muhammad Mokaev Will Become UFC Flyweight Champion

Khabib Nurmagomedov Predicts Muhammad Mokaev Will Become UFC Flyweight Champion

Khabib Nurmagomedov has no doubt that Muhammad Mokaev could become the UFC flyweight champion if given the opportunity. The undefeated flyweight contender was cut from the UFC roster in 2024, but has since won four fights in a row and is campaigning for a return to the promotion.

What happened?

Mokaev was cut from the UFC roster in 2024, despite being undefeated and a top-five contender. The decision was reportedly made due to issues outside of the cage, with talk of the Dagestan-born British star upsetting the matchmakers.

Why it matters for Khabib Nurmagomedov

Khabib Nurmagomedov has expressed frustration about the UFC's decision to cut Mokaev and a number of Dagestani wrestlers. The UFC has yet to commit to bringing Mokaev back, but if that does eventually happen, 'The Punisher' will have the backing of Khabib Nurmagomedov when it comes to his flyweight title aspirations.

What comes next?

Mokaev has been campaigning for a return to the UFC, and has won four fights in a row, most recently under the banner of Ilia Topuria's WOW FC organization. The UFC has yet to commit to bringing Mokaev back, but Khabib Nurmagomedov believes that if given the opportunity, Mokaev will become the UFC flyweight champion.

Khabib Nurmagomedov recently spoke about Mokaev's potential in a *Smol Talk* interview, saying: "They don't sign a lot of fighters who wrestle. They mostly sign strikers, so they can fight each other. If they give Mokaev a shot, he will be the champion too. He's also a wrestler. (They) just hold a lot of wrestlers back. When you have a wrestling background, you're in control of where the fight goes. Wrestling will always dominate."

Mokaev was being compared to Khabib Nurmagomedov in some corners of the MMA community when he made his UFC debut back in 2022. The undefeated flyweight contender has extended his promotional record to 7-0, and has cemented his status as a top-five contender.

The UFC has yet to commit to bringing Mokaev back, but if that does eventually happen, 'The Punisher' will have the backing of Khabib Nurmagomedov when it comes to his flyweight title aspirations.