Muhammad Mokaev celebrates after beating Manel Kape at UFC 304, inset exclusive banner. Credit: Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images

Muhammad Mokaev names two former opponents as the toughest tests for Alexander Pantoja

Originally posted on Bloody Elbow | By Kyle Dimond | Last updated Oct 31, 2025 12:35 PM ET

The UFC flyweight title is set to be on the line at the final PPV event of 2025.

It was already clear that Joshua Van would be challenging Alexandre Pantoja for the gold after both men emerged victorious at UFC 317.

With a five-fight win streak, the 24-year-old challenger skyrocketed his way into title contention with a fight of the year contender last time out.

Pantoja, who joins Merab Dvalishvili as one of the dominant champions who will headline UFC 323, is looking to produce his second title defense of the year and fifth overall.

One man who many believed could have posed the Brazilian a significant threat doesn’t believe that the champion’s next challenge is his most difficult one.

Muhammad Mokaev says Manel Kape and Charles Johnson are Alexandre Pantoja’s biggest threats

Muhammad Mokaev hopes to change people’s opinions on him following his controversial UFC departure last year.

The undefeated flyweight was seen by many as one of the biggest challenges to Alexandre Pantoja’s title run before his time in the promotion came to an abrupt ending.

In a recent interview with Bloody Elbow, Mokaev gave his thoughts on the upcoming UFC flyweight title fight.

‘The Punisher’ doesn’t believe that Joshua Van is the toughest test in the division for the dominant champion.

In fact, he believes that two of the opponents that he defeated inside the Octagon would be harder matchups for Pantoja.

“I would say Manel Kape and Charles Johnson. That’s the two people who I would say are experienced in the division right now, in the rankings.”

Mokaev defeated both men via unanimous decision, facing Johnson in his second UFC outing before beating Kape in his final one.

“I would put them higher than Joshua Van. I mean, not just me, Charles Johnson already knocked out Joshua Van so you’ve already seen the results on the table but Joshua Van stayed consistent and he’s a young fighter. He’s had some knockouts but you also have to give respect to Charles Johnson… Kape and Pantoja already fought and that was a close fight to me.”

Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images

Muhammad Mokaev looks to earn flyweight gold of his own next time out

While Muhammad Mokaev is still aiming to make his return to the UFC and fulfil his dream of becoming a champion, the undefeated flyweight has another challenge in his sights right now.

The 25-year-old has produced two MMA wins since the last time that he stepped inside the Octagon.

His third bout is set to take place next week at BRAVE CF 100 on November 7, where he will compete for the inaugural flyweight title.