Midnight Mania: Title Shot On The Line?

Welcome to Midnight Mania!

Undefeated Flyweight prospect Muhammad Mokaev has lofty aspirations. Particularly, he’s chasing Jon Jones’ file because the youngest champion in UFC historical past, a feat “Bones” achieved at 23 years of age, about 4 months previous to turning 24, by smashing Mauricio Rua in 2011.

Mokaev, whose personal twenty fourth birthday is in July, has simply over a month to surpass Jones … which feels unimaginable given the straightforward incontrovertible fact that Pantoja isn’t booked to struggle one month from now! Nevertheless, the 23-year-old wrestler has gained 5 straight fights to begin his UFC profession, steadily advancing into the Flyweight High 10, and if it’s any silver lining, he could also be nearer to a title shot than many count on.

Principally as a result of Flyweight is a large number and there’s no person else. Nevertheless, on account of that chaos, his match up this weekend (Sat. March 2, 2024) at UFC Vegas 87 in opposition to former title challenger Alex Perez is all of the sudden much more fascinating.

“Brandon Royval, I believe he has (a torn) ACL,” Mokaev defined (through MMAJunkie). “Brandon Moreno is 0-3 in opposition to Pantoja. (Brandon) Royval is 0-2 in opposition to Pantoja. (Manel) Kape might be going to have yet another struggle as a result of he didn’t make weight final time. (Amir) Albazi is injured. Kai Kara-France has a concussion as a result of after I requested to struggle him, Mick (Maynard) stated he’s bought a concussion, and he gained’t be capable of struggle.

“Now, I’m the one challenger, however I’ve to beat Alex Perez in a formidable method.”

Alexandre Pantoja is concentrating on his second title protection at UFC 301 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil on Could 4, 2024. Although that’s technically too late to interrupt Jones’ file, Mokaev is greater than keen to step up on a reasonably fast rebound from this weekend to struggle for the belt at UFC 301.

“That’s 10 weeks from March 2, I already counted,” Mokaev stated. “I’m prepared. Like I stated, I’ve large expertise in novice profession, so I can struggle each weekend.”

In accordance with a latest interview with Guilherme Cruz, Pantoja is open to the match up as effectively. In fact, Alex Perez could have one thing to say about these plans, so the primary victory on Saturday evening stays absolutely needed if this surprising title shot is to materialize.

Insomnia

Ricky Turcios says that Raul Rosas Jr. declined to have their bout rebooked for this weekend at UFC Vegas 87.

I stated sure to 145lbs in Vegas Saturday. My opponent couldn’t make it. All good. I’ve no animosity. ☯️

— Ricky Turcios (@RickyTurciosUFC) February 28, 2024

Uncommon MMA trash discuss that truly made me chuckle.

The place the pinnacle goes, the physique will comply with.

Pantoja doesn’t get the respect he deserves for his physique of labor.

Congratulations to Sodiq Yusuff on a really cool alternative!

I’ve been backstage at fights, appearing because the sparring associate (learn: punching bag) for a warming up fighter, and Aljamain Sterling describes it completely right here.

An ungainly second from UFC Mexico Metropolis defined …