"He had a better plan” - Muhammad Mokaev speaks out after upset loss to former UFC fighter in short-notice replacement at ADXC 6 grappling event

Muhammad Mokaev suffered a split-decision loss to Rogerio Bontorin at Abu Dhabi Extreme Championship (ADXC) 6 on Oct. 25. The Brazilian MMA fighter formerly competed in the UFC from 2019 until 2022, and now plies his trade in Rizin Fight Federation.

Mokaev and Bontorin headlined the grappling event, which was attended by UFC stars Alexander Volkanovski and Merab Dvalishvili.

'The Punisher' was initially scheduled to face Raul Rosas Jr., who currently fights in the UFC's bantamweight division. However, shortly after their ADXC 6 match was announced, Rosas Jr. was forced to withdraw from the event.

Mokaev blamed the withdrawal on Rosas Jr. being contracted to the UFC.

Following the conclusion of ADXC 6, Mokaev took to X to share his thoughts on his loss, and congratulated his short-notice opponent:

"Today I lost by split decision at the grappling event against a very tough opponent! He had a better plan, I congratulate him and his team! Another 15 minutes of experience."

Check out Muhammad Mokaev's post below:

It was Mokaev's first appearance in a combat sports setting since his UFC 304 win over Manel Kape, after which it was confirmed that the talented flyweight would not be re-signed by the UFC.

He has since signed with Brave CF, an MMA promotion based in Bahrain.

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Muhammad Mokaev hasn't given up on UFC dream despite signing with Brave CF

Ahead of UFC 304, Muhammad Mokaev was regarded as one of the best talents in the promotion's flyweight division. At just 24 years old and a professional record of 12-0-1NC, many felt that he was a part of the division's future.

However, after Mokaev defeated Manel Kape at the pay-per-view, UFC CEO Dana White confirmed that they would not be re-signing 'The Punisher'. The news came as a surprise, with even Mokaev stating during his post-fight press conference that he hoped the promotion would re-sign him.

After confirming his decision to sign with Brave CF in August, Mokaev took to X to declare his ultimate goal was still to get back to the UFC:

"Highest paid flyweight fighter in the world right now without holding the title @bravemmaf. But of course my goal is come back to UFC because it is the number 1 promotion in the world right now!"

Check out Muhammad Mokaev's post below: