Joshua van may have a new challenger! Current flyweight champion Joshua Van has taken the sport by storm not only with his insane skills but his unique personality Muhammad Mokaev was one of the division's most feared prospects slowly climbing the ranks and hit a hurdle in 2024 when he was released from the UFC, but he has taken to social media asking to be resigned and has Van in his sights @kalshi gives Joshua Van a 86% chance of being the Flyweight champion by the end of the year
Muhammad Mokaev has made his intentions clear, calling out UFC flyweight champion Joshua Van on social media and asking to be re-signed to the promotion following his 2024 release.
Van, 24, has emerged as one of the most compelling champions in the flyweight division. The Myanmar-born fighter, who competes out of 4oz. Fight Club, carries an 18-2 record and holds a striking output that few at 125 pounds can match — landing 8.26 significant strikes per minute at 57 percent accuracy. Standing five-foot-five with a 65-inch reach, "The Fearless" has backed up his reputation with both his performances and a personality that has drawn widespread attention to the division.
Mokaev, 26, was one of flyweight's most promising prospects before his UFC departure. The England-based fighter trains with KHK MMA and owns a perfect 13-0 record. At five-foot-seven with a 70-inch reach, "The Punisher" built his reputation as a relentless wrestler, averaging 5.29 takedowns per 15 minutes — a rate that would present a genuine stylistic challenge for any champion. He has since taken to social media to request reinstatement and has named Van as his target.
Why it matters
- A perfect 13-0 record keeps Mokaev's case for a title shot credible despite his time away from the UFC roster
- Van's striking-heavy style against Mokaev's elite takedown volume sets up a sharply contrasting stylistic matchup
- The flyweight division's title picture remains active, and a high-profile callout from an undefeated former contender adds pressure on both the promotion and the champion
- Mokaev has not yet been re-signed, meaning any potential matchup is contingent on a deal being reached first
