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USA Today Sports Media Group
USA Today Sports Media Group
Sport
Danny Segura and Mike Bohn

Muhammad Mokaev wants to be backup for Alexandre Pantoja vs. Brandon Royval flyweight title fight at UFC 296

ABU DHABI – Muhammad Mokaev wants UFC gold around his waist as soon as possible, and he’s willing to go to any length to achieve that.

Mokaev, a rising flyweight contender, is hoping the UFC uses him as a backup for the upcoming flyweight title bout between champion Alexandre Pantoja and Brandon Royval on Dec. 16 in the UFC 296 co-main event in Las Vegas.

“I’m ready,” Mokaev told reporters at the UFC 296 post-fight press conference. “I’ve never missed weight – even in my debut against Cody Durden I made championship weight. I can make it. If they want, I can be backup – whatever fight they want.”

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