Muhammad Mokaev wants to take a big step towards potentially earning a second chance in the UFC Octagon in 2026.
Former UFC flyweight contender Muhammad Mokaev remains optimistic about potentially returning to the Octagon soon. After a lackluster victory over Manel Kape at UFC 304, the UFC opted not to re-sign Mokaev due to several alleged incidents with matchmakers outside of the cage.
Since his controversial UFC departure, Mokaev has won the Brave CF flyweight title, knocking out Gerard Burns with a head kick in November. Mokaev has stayed busy after his UFC split, earning wins in MMA and Karate Combat.
Mokaev could potentially earn the attention of the Professional Fighters League and other organizations as he kicks off his Brave CF flyweight title reign. If that happens, Mokaev wants to face one of the best flyweights of all-time for his return.
Muhammad Mokaev targets UFC legend’s brother for massive PFL superfight
In a recent post to X, Mokaev called out former UFC star Sergio Pettis for a potential PFL SmartCage clash.
“11 years ago, I shared this fight on my Facebook. Watching Sergio [Pettis] way back, one of the best flyweights,” Mokaev posted.
“And today I think if PFL makes this fight happen, it’ll be the biggest fight outside of the UFC.”
As of this writing, Pettis hasn’t responded to Mokaev’s callout. Pettis hasn’t fought since knocking out Magomed Magomedov at PFL Champions Series 3 in October.
Pettis made the full-time move to bantamweight in 2020, winning the Bellator bantamweight title over Juan Archuleta in May 2021. Mokaev’s last bantamweight fight took place last June in a win over Thomas Assis at 971 FC 2 in Dubai.
Mokaev took a big step towards a potential UFC return by acknowledging he’d been offered a grappling match against Mikey Musumeci in UFC BJJ. Musumeci defeated Shay Montague at UFC BJJ 5 last Thursday by foot lock.
How would a fight between Muhammad Mokaev and Sergio Pettis play out? Let us know your predictions in the comments!
