Muhammad Mokaev offers to replace Kai Kara-France and fight Alex Perez at UFC 284, fans rally behind with support on social media

Muhammad Mokaev is seemingly willing to replace Kai Kara-France against Alex Perez. The Kara-France vs. Perez flyweight bout was expected to transpire at UFC 284 in Perth, Australia, on February 12, 2023. However, Kara-France took to Instagram earlier today and revealed that he's withdrawing from the Perez matchup due to an injury.

Undefeated flyweight prospect Muhammad Mokaev subsequently posted a couple of tweets addressing the same. The rising star indicated that he's prepared to replace Kai Kara-France and face Alex Perez at UFC 284. Responding to a tweet regarding Kara-France's withdrawal, Mokaev wrote:

"Please @ufc I’m ready!"

Furthermore, Mokaev expressed his gratitude towards those who rallied behind him to be booked against Perez at UFC 284. Urging the UFC to let him fight Perez, the 22-year-old Mokaev tweeted:

"Thank you for the tags people! Thank you for believing in me! I want this fight, I’m ready to step in! @ufc"

In response to Muhammad Mokaev's tweets, several fans weighed in with their support and lobbied for the UFC to give him the fight he was asking for. One Twitter user wrote:

"We know this is the fight fans want to see!"

Meanwhile, a fan alluded to the fact that Muhammad Mokaev is one of the top young prospects in the sport of MMA today. Extending support to 'The Punisher,' the fan tweeted:

"@ufc this young warrior is ready !!"

Additionally, some fans insinuated that they'll be in attendance for UFC 284 in Perth and would love to watch Mokaev compete. Campaigning in favor of the Dagestan-born UK fighter, one Twitter user asserted:

"As someone who will be there in Perth, please I hope this happens"

Another Twitter user opined that taking on Perez would be a significant step up in competition compared to Mokaev's previous fights. Insinuating that Mokaev would win regardless, the fan tweeted:

"Hopefully u get that fight bro Perez is a step up but I think ur ready"

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Could Muhammad Mokaev's ranking differential deprive him of the UFC 284 fight?

The No. 3-ranked UFC flyweight Kai Kara-France was scheduled to face the No. 6-ranked Alex Perez in a pivotal showdown at UFC 284. However, with Kara-France out of the equation, it's likely that Perez could be booked against another top 10-ranked fighter.

Given the aforementioned variables at play, it's entirely possible that the UFC might refrain from booking Perez against the No. 14-ranked Muhammad Mokaev.

That said, Mokaev has been touted by many as a future champion and boasts an unbeaten professional MMA record. Considering that, the organization could potentially accord him the opportunity to leapfrog his way into the top 10 by having him fight Perez. Fans can expect additional details concerning the same to unravel soon.