Amir Albazi doesn't like Muhammad Mokaev, but 'it sucks' UFC won't re-sign him
Amir Albazi was hoping he'd get a chance to fight Muhammad Mokaev in the UFC.
Amir Albazi isn’t Muhammad Mokaev’s biggest fan, but he doesn’t wish his career any ill-will.
Undefeated Mokaev (13-0 MMA, 7-0 UFC) notched his seventh octagon win when he beat Manel Kape less than two weeks ago at UFC 304. Kape marked the final fight of Mokaev’s UFC contract, but Dana White said he won’t be re-signing him.
White doesn’t often decide the fate of a fighter’s UFC future publicly, but he appeared angry at Mokaev and showed no desire to have him back. Albazi (17-1 MMA, 5-0 UFC) and Mokaev don’t like each other, but that doesn’t mean Albazi is glad to see him go.
“To be honest, regarding the fight, I was never impressed with Mokaev,” Albazi told MMA Junkie. “I always thought 10 out of 10 times, I would beat him. That’s just my opinion of things, but then him getting cut – I don’t like the guy, but I don’t want to take away people’s jobs.
“So, I still think it sucks that he never got to continue fighting in the UFC with his winning streak. I would have loved to fight him to just prove to people that I could take him on, and that wouldn’t be a problem for me. But it is what it is. I’m not focusing on Mokaev or any other fighter besides getting that belt and be the second Arab champion for the UFC.”
Prior to facing Kape, Mokaev said during UFC 304 media day that he’d want to fight Albazi next if he didn’t get a title shot.
“I don’t like this little rat,” Mokaev said. “I just don’t like him. That’s it.”
Albazi hasn’t competed since edging out Kai Kara-France last June. He underwent back-to-back surgeries, which kept him out of action, but is now ready to get his next fight booked. Albazi didn’t elaborate either when asked about his history with Mokaev, but insists there’s no more beef.
Due to his recent inactivity, the 30-year-old understands he needs another win before earning a title shot, and is down for Mokaev or anyone else in the rankings.
“With him, it’s not personal anymore,” Albazi said of Mokaev. “I solved it with him. He knows what’s up. So, for me, you want to fight, I’m ready to fight. If anyone in the weight class wants to fight, I’m ready to fight.
“I told that to the UFC. I told them any time I’ll be ready. I’m just looking to get another fight in, another win, another good performance and head towards (Alexandre) Pantoja. That’s my goal.”