Muhammad Mokaev will face a late-notice replacement opponent this week, keeping the date for his first outing since exiting the UFC intact.
Mokaev enjoyed an undefeated run in the UFC during a three-year stint, rising up the ladder in a fashion that saw many predict potential championship glory in his future. And by getting the better of Manel Kape at UFC 304 in Manchester this past July, the Dagestan-born Brit appeared to be close to the front of the queue.
But more than just being snubbed for Alexandre Pantoja's subsequent title defense, "The Punisher" was eliminated from the equation altogether when the UFC opted not to renew his contract.
The decision came after he struck Kape at a hotel during fight week, with UFC CEO Dana White suggesting a number of issues away from the cage left the matchmakers with negative views on the young fighter.
After his push for an immediate Octagon return fell on deaf ears, Mokaev put pen to paper on a deal with his former organization, Brave Combat Federation. His debut was later confirmed for this weekend's Brave CF 91 event in Bahrain.
Disaster struck just days out from the card, with Mokaev's opponent Luthando Biko withdrawing due to a health issue. Fortunately, it's not taking long for Brave CF to secure a new foe, with Joevincent Soe stepping in for a 130-pound catchweight. The news was first reported by MMA Fighting's Guilherme Cruz.
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The 24-year-old didn't address the news of his first opponent's withdrawal himself, instead reposting a number of comments on X calling for his re-signing with the UFC in the aftermath of Pantoja's submission victory over Kai Asakura this past weekend.
"The Cannibal's" UFC 310 triumph has left him short on fresh challenges to his reign in 2025, only adding to the confusion of many when it comes to the decision to let Mokaev go.
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