hero-image

5 explosive fights to make in the UFC flyweight division

Manel Kape, Muhammad Mokaev, Kai Kara-France, Alexandre Pantoja and Askar Askarov [Images via @manelkape, @mokaev_muhammad, @kaikarafrance, @pantoja_oficial and @askarmma on Instagram]
Manel Kape, Muhammad Mokaev, Kai Kara-France, Alexandre Pantoja and Askar Askarov [Images via @manelkape, @mokaev_muhammad, @kaikarafrance, @pantoja_oficial and @askarmma on Instagram]

The UFC flyweight division has sprung back into life in recent years, and the future of the 125-pound weight class looks very promising.

At UFC 277, Brandon Moreno claimed the interim flyweight title to set up a title unification bout with former foe Deiveson Figueiredo. The duo are slated to lock horns later this year or early 2023, marking the fourth meeting between the two champions.

Soo... we go again? 👀

Deiveson Figueiredo 🆚 Brandon Moreno IV 🔥

#UFC277 https://t.co/icq3Qfhc0e

With Figueiredo and Moreno set to contest undisputed gold, the rest of the flyweights will be looking to stake their claim for the next shot at the belt. The landscape at 125 pounds will likely undergo a few more shuffles by the end of the year, which could further spice things up atop the division.

Here are five explosive fights to make in the UFC flyweight division.


#5. Jeff Molina vs. Muhammad Mokaev

Muhammad Mokaev is among the hottest prospects in the UFC right now. The 22-year-old flyweight signed with the promotion last year and cruised to a quick submission victory in his octagon debut. In his second outing, Mokaev picked up a dominant unanimous decision win to further extend his perfect record.

'The Punisher' has reiterated on numerous occasions that he intends to become the youngest champion in UFC history and will have to win the title inside the next 18 months if he is to surpass Jon Jones' current record.

21-year-old @muhammadmokaev is aiming to take Jon Jones' record 👀

✍️ via @arielhelwani's MMA Hour https://t.co/9OAFObIooe

After two solid wins in his first two outings, Muhammad Mokaev will be eyeing a ranked flyweight next. No.14-ranked Jeff Molina appears to be a logical step-up for Mokaev, offering the Russian-born Englishman a chance to break into the top 15 at 125 pounds.

Molina is currently riding a 10-fight win streak in his professional career, with his last three victories coming inside the UFC octagon. The Dana White Contender Series alum is unbeaten since 2018 and will prove to be an interesting puzzle for Mokaev to solve.

Mokaev even called out 'El Jefe' after his latest victory.

Muhammad Mokaev wants Jeff Molina next.

Do you like the matchup? 🤔 https://t.co/UZffB5dcdY

You may also like