Alexandre Pantoja on ‘very talented’ Muhammad Mokaev’s UFC release

LAS VEGAS – UFC flyweight champion Alexandre Pantoja despatched Muhammad Mokaev some encouraging phrases.

Undefeated contender Mokaev (13-0) was on the cusp of a title shot after defeating Manel Kape at UFC 304 in July, however as an alternative, was surprisingly not re-signed by the UFC.

Mokaev and the UFC parting methods took many abruptly, particularly with Pantoja (28-5 MMA, 12-3 UFC) having already cleared out the vast majority of the contenders in his division. Pantoja was requested his ideas on Mokaev’s launch, and the champion thinks we may very well be seeing him within the octagon once more.

“I believe Mokaev could be very gifted,” Pantoja instructed MMA Junkie and different reporters at Wednesday’s UFC 310 media day. “He’s very younger. He has a dream. He has a want to attempt to be the youngest UFC champ.

“I believe he has a possibility to get again to the UFC. He’s an excellent expertise, and naturally he’s somebody that may present the UFC he’s an excellent fighter, and he has an opportunity to combat for the belt.”

Pantoja’s subsequent title protection comes in opposition to newcomer Kai Asakura (21-4 MMA, 0-0 UFC) in Saturday’s UFC 310 (pay-per-view, ESPN2, ESPN+) major occasion at T-Cell Area in Las Vegas. Mokaev gave his breakdown on the title combat.

“If the combat goes to the choice, I believe Pantoja goes to win,” Mokaev instructed MMA Junkie. “But when it’s a end, if it involves placing, I believe Kai Asakura has a greater probability, whereas Pantoja has a greater floor sport. For me, it relies upon the place the combat will go – however I believe Pantoja will beat him.”

Mokaev booked his first combat after parting methods with the UFC. He takes on former EFC champion Luthando Biko (12-3) in a flyweight bout Dec. 13 at Khalifa Sports activities Metropolis in Bahrain.

For extra on the cardboard, go to MMA Junkie’s occasion hub for UFC 310.