UFC 304’s Muhammad Mokaev reveals Manel Kape will be last fight on contract: ‘I’m on one of the lowest payments’

Muhammad Mokaev will have to do some negotiating after his big contender clash with Manel Kape at UFC 304 this weekend (Sat., July 27, 2024).

The Flyweight division has seen an influx of intriguing match ups and talent since Alexandre Pantoja began his reign in July 2023. Amongst the youngest rising stars in the mix is the undefeated 12-0 (1 no contest) Mokaev.

Mokaev, 23, was on track to try and break the record for youngest UFC champion and still could be depending on how soon he gets an opportunity. However, he’ll first have to make sure he stays on the roster after a potential Kape win.

“I’m on last fight [of my deal] with UFC,” Mokaev told MMA on Sirius XM. “This is my last fight on contract, and I need to put on good performance to negotiate the new contract. It depends on my performance.

“I want to chase the gold, and I hope the UFC give me a contract,” he continued. “I just want to fight for the belt. Even if they give me one more fight after this. I have six fights. I already have more finishes in UFC. It doesn’t matter if I fight them now or if I’m gonna defend the belt, I’m gonna face them anyway. It doesn’t matter to me about money. I’m on one of the lowest payment out of fighters right now and I never, never ask for much on the fight and get my name out there.”

Mokaev entered UFC in March 2022 and wasted no time amassing a six-fight winning streak. The Manchester, England resident will get a home game for his big bout against Kape.

LIVE! Watch UFC 304 PPV On ESPN+ Here!

’McGREGOR-FREE MAIN EVENT! Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) returns to T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, on Sat., June 29, 2024, without its biggest box office draw, Conor McGregor, after the Irish sports star delayed the “greatest comeback of all-time” because he broke his pinky toe (seriously). Coming the rescue once again is Light Heavyweight champion, Alex Pereira, agreeing to rematch former division champion, Jiri Prochazka, in the pay-per-view (PPV) main event. In UFC 303’s co-headliner, top-ranked Featherweight contender, Brian Ortega, will attempt to halt the rise of red-hot surging 145-pound prospect, Diego Lopes. UFC 303’s PPV main card (see it here) will also feature Anthony Smith vs. Roman Dolidze and Ian Garry vs. Michael “Venom” Page and so much more. It’s must-watch action! UFC 303 start time scheduled for 6 p.m. ET (Prelims) and 10 p.m. ET (PPV).

Don’t miss a single second of EPIC face-punching action!

To check out UFC 304’s latest fight card and rumors click here.