Muhammad Mokaev teases grappling match with top UFC fighter
Muhammad Mokaev is set to take on yet another high-level UFC fighter in a grappling match, teasing the bout with a recent social media post.
Muhammad Mokaev is gearing up for his second submission grappling match of the year. Despite teasing the clash on X, claiming that he's set to face a top 15 UFC fighter, he did not reveal his opponent's identity. Regardless of who it is, the undefeated Brave CF flyweight champion will look to finally end his winless run on the mats.
Muhammad Mokaev chases first-ever submission grappling win
Despite being both undefeated in MMA and known for his grappling prowess, Muhammad Mokaev has never actually won a submission grappling match. The Dagestani-born English phenom first dipped his toe in submission grappling in 2024, when he faced Zain Hayat at BJJ 247 Manchester Open. Unfortunately, the matchup ended in a disqualification loss for Mokaev after he performed an illegal slam. That was followed by a split-decision loss to Rogério Bontorin at ADXC 6 several months later.
Then, this year, he stepped in on short-notice against top five UFC lightweight Arman Tsarukyan at Hype FC Brazi: Rio, replacing a wary Georgio Poullas. However, that bout ended in yet another loss, with Mokaev submitted via rear-naked choke. Now, though, he is looking to reverse his luck with an upcoming grappling match against a top 15 UFC fighter.
"Grappling match against UFC top 15 in 3 weeks. Guess who?"
Some have guessed that Mokaev, a former UFC flyweight, will face rising 125-pound contender Raul Rosas Jr. However, Mokaev dismissed the suggestion, claiming that the UFC blocked the matchup.
Grappling match against ufc top 15 in 3 weeks
— Muhammad Mokaev (@muhammadmokaev) August 6, 2026
Guess who? 😄
He provided further details by revealing that his grappling match is scheduled to take place on Aug. 30 at ACB BJJ Turkey.
"ACB BJJ Turkey. 30th of August."
However, there's still no news on who his opponent will be.
ACB BJJ Turkey 🇹🇷
— Muhammad Mokaev (@muhammadmokaev) August 7, 2026
30th of August
🥇
Mokaev was once a top prospect in the UFC, with many previously pegging him as a future flyweight champion due to his strong wrestling game and well-rounded skill set. Despite his undefeated streak, his run with the promotion came to an abrupt end at UFC 304, where he defeated Manel Kape via unanimous decision in a listless fight that failed to live up to the hype and animosity both men had drummed up prior, including reported backstage confrontations. In the end, Dana White claimed that Mokaev was let go for several reasons outside the cage, but never elaborated and hasn't budged on re-signing him despite Mokaev's best attempts.
