Former UFC flyweight contender Muhammad Mokaev, released by Dana White last year, announced on February 9, 2026, that he has been offered a title shot against champion Mikey Musumeci in UFC's BJJ promotion. The opportunity comes ahead of Musumeci's defense against Shay Montague at UFC BJJ 5 on February 12. Mokaev, known as 'The Punisher,' sees this as a chance to showcase improvement and potentially return to UFC MMA. It matters for his career redemption in grappling; unclear if for this event or later. Fans await his decision amid hopes for UFC reconciliation.
Muhammad Mokaev has been offered a title shot in UFC's BJJ promotion, with the 25-year-old Englishman announcing on February 9, 2026, that he has received an opportunity to challenge champion Mikey Musumeci for the UFC BJJ title.
Mokaev, nicknamed "The Punisher," carries an unblemished 13-0-0 professional MMA record and competes out of KHK MMA. Standing five-foot-seven with a 70-inch reach, the orthodox fighter was formerly a flyweight contender in the UFC before being released by Dana White last year. His grappling credentials are underscored by an impressive takedown rate of 5.29 per 15 minutes during his MMA career, making a transition to submission grappling competition a natural fit. He has described the opportunity as a chance to demonstrate his continued improvement and potentially build a path back toward UFC MMA competition.
The offer comes as Musumeci prepares to defend his UFC BJJ title against Shay Montague at UFC BJJ 5 on February 12. It remains unclear whether Mokaev's potential bout would take place at that event or at a later date. Mokaev has not yet publicly confirmed his decision.
Why it matters
- A title shot in UFC's BJJ promotion gives Mokaev a high-profile platform to rebuild his standing with the organization following his MMA release.
- Victory over a decorated champion like Musumeci would significantly raise Mokaev's profile in the grappling world and potentially strengthen any case for an MMA return.
- The stylistic matchup pits Mokaev's wrestling-heavy, high-volume grappling approach against elite Brazilian jiu-jitsu at the highest level of the submission grappling scene.
- The timing ahead of UFC BJJ 5 adds urgency, with fans and the MMA community watching closely for Mokaev's response.
