Undefeated standout Muhammad Mokaev is on the cusp of locking down his first UFC world title opportunity.
On Saturday, ‘The Punisher’ returned to the Octagon at UFC Vegas 87 looking to build on his 10-0 record against 31-fight veteran Alex Perez. Mokaev has won his first five fights under the UFC banner, four of them coming by way of submission.
Sitting in the No. 8 spot on the flyweight rankings, Mokaev could make a case for a shot at reigning champion Alexandre Pantoja with a big showing against the Californian.
Round 1
Mokaev and Perez get things started by trading leg kicks in the middle of the Octagon. Mokaev rushes in with a combination, landing a solid uppercut in the process. Perez goes back to the calf kick a Mokaev continues to look to land a flurry of strikes up top. Mokaev uncorks a couple of nasty leg kicks. Perez offers up a combination of his own prompting Mokaev to fish for a single leg before letting it go and recentering himself.
They continue to swing away. With the fighters close, Mokaev attempts another takedown, but Perez ilva fights it off. Mokaev goes for another takedown. Perez sprawls perfectly and again avoids being taken down. Perez is the aggressor with 90 seconds to go, but that allows Mokaev to shoot for a takedown, this time completing it. Mokaev transitions to the back and keeps Perez on the mat until the round ends.
Round 2
Mokaev wastes no time shooting for a takedown and quickly moves to Perez’s back up against the cage. Perez fights it off and kicks the legs out from under Mokaev momentarily. Once again in control of the cage, Perez swings big but opens himself up for another takedown attempt. Mokaev takes Perez’s back up against the fence. Perez continues to defend and avoid being taken down to the mat before separating with 90 seconds left in the second.
Mokaev lands a couple of jabs before going to the body with a solid shot. Perez offers his own takedown attempt, getting Mokaev against the fence and holding position until the horn sounds.
Round 3
Perez comes out looking to push the pace and pressure Mokaev in a third round where it’s anyone’s fight. Perez moves in and gets Mokaev down to the ground, clinging onto a potential guillotine attempt. Mokaev reverses the position, taking Perez’s back on the feet. Mokaev drags Perez down to the mat, but can’t keep him there. Perez attacks the hands of Mokaev to break his group and separate.
Perez scores a brief takedown before relinquishing the hold and creating space between the two. They clinch up against the fence with Perez getting the upper hand. Mokaev fights out and separates before dropping down for another takedown attempt that Perez easily defends. Mokaev sits himself down, expecting Perez to shoot in, but that just allows Perez to control the clinch. Mokaev reverses position just as the final seconds tick off the clock.
Official Result: Muhammad Mokaev def. Alex Perez via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Check Out Highlights From Muhammad Mokaev vs. Alex Perez at UFC Vegas 87:
☠️ THE PUNISHER ☠️
🇬🇧 @MuhammadMokaev is ready to announce his name among the flyweight elite! #UFCVegas87 pic.twitter.com/CSbaJ21i2k
— UFC Europe (@UFCEurope) March 2, 2024
STILL UNDEFEATED 💪@MuhammadMokaev moves to 6-0 with the UD victory! #UFCVegas87 pic.twitter.com/OUJnc0u5Cj
— UFC (@ufc) March 2, 2024
Muhammad Mokaev's six-fight UFC win streak is the longest active streak in the flyweight division 😤@MuhammadMokaev | #UFCVegas87 pic.twitter.com/uwe9cAXULg
— UFC (@ufc) March 2, 2024
.@muhammadmokaev es el vencedor por decisión unánime después de una aguerrida contienda👏 #UFCVegas87 pic.twitter.com/QKrSjuyE1t
— UFC Español (@UFCEspanol) March 2, 2024
