Mokaev’s Manchester Decision Over Kape Extended His UFC
Muhammad Mokaev defeated Manel Kape by unanimous decision at UFC 304 on July 27, 2024. Their flyweight contest at Co-op Live in Manchester ended with scores of 29–28, 29–28 and 30–27, giving Mokaev his seventh UFC victory.
The buildup outpaced the action
The fighters had confronted each other before the event and needed separating ahead of the opening bell. Their subsequent three-round contest was more restrained than the hostility surrounding the matchup had suggested.
Kape landed a meaningful strike late in the first round. Mokaev found greater success in the second, although grabbing Kape’s shorts cost him a takedown and the position he had gained.
The judges favored Mokaev
The final round included work from Mokaev and elbows from Kape before a late clinch. Neither fighter produced a finish, leaving the outcome to the three judges.
Two officials awarded Mokaev two rounds, while the third scored every round in his favor. The unanimous decision extended his winning record inside the promotion without immediately settling his next competitive assignment.
A contract announcement followed
Mokaev said after the bout that his contract had expired and expressed interest in a new agreement. Dana White subsequently confirmed that the UFC did not intend to offer another deal.
White referred to issues behind the scenes and said the decision involved more than Mokaev’s grappling approach. The announcement brought his UFC stint to an unexpected conclusion despite the winning result he had just recorded against Kape.
Sources
- UFC: Kape fight sequence, scorecards and seventh victory
- MMA Fighting: contract expiry, Mokaev’s response and White’s announcement
