LAS VEGAS – UFC flyweight champion Alexandre Pantoja sent Muhammad Mokaev some encouraging words. Undefeated contender Mokaev (13-0) was on the cusp of a title shot after defeating Manel Kape at UFC 304 in July, but instead, was surprisingly not re-signed by the UFC. Mokaev and the UFC parting ways took many by surprise, especially with Pantoja (28-5 MMA, 12-3 UFC) having already cleared out the majority of the contenders in his division.
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Alexandre Pantoja comments on ‘very talented’ Muhammad Mokaev’s UFC release – MMA Junkie