Future UFC Hall of Famer Demetrious Johnson didn’t take long to respond to Muhammad Mokaev’s claims he’s returning to MMA to fight him.
Former UFC flyweight contender Muhammad Mokaev created an online firestorm on Thursday when he revealed he was allegedly in talks to fight Demetrious Johnson in an MMA fight.
Mokaev, unbeaten in his MMA career and the current Brave CF flyweight champion, parted ways with the UFC after a win over Manel Kape at UFC 304. He’s repeatedly pleaded his case for another shot in the UFC Octagon despite an allegedly tense relationship with the promotional brass.
Shortly after a grappling match loss to UFC lightweight Arman Tsarukyan at Hype Brazil, Mokaev raised eyebrows when revealing what’s next in his combat sports career.
Demetrious Johnson: Muhammad Mokaev deceived by promoter after fight offer claims
In a recent interview with Red Corner MMA, Mokaev revealed he was in talks to fight Johnson in MMA in an undisclosed promotion.
“I am back in the gym, back to training. If I get another challenge like this, even if it’s at a higher weight class, I will take it. I am going to compete wherever I can. Of course (MMA is my priority), I want to fight soon, I think it will happen after Ramadan. I was offered a very interesting fight, most likely it’ll be Demetrious Johnson,” Mokaev said of Johnson.
“The negotiations are on, so we’re waiting, we will see, I accepted so we are waiting for his decision.”
In a recent Instagram post, Johnson appeared to shut down Mokaev’s claims.
“Guys, my black a– is retired, I’m never coming back to compete,” Johnson responded to Mokaev.
“If I do it’ll be for ABJJF. Shame on the promoter. Muhammad Mokaev, text me, brother, they lied to you. Get back to me, and we’ll let people know who’s this a—— who’s spreading lies.”
Johnson retired following a trilogy win over Adriano Moraes in May 2023. Months after the fight, Johnson officially announced his retirement and entered into the ONE Hall of Fame as its inaugural inductee.
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