Former UFC star Muhammad Mokaev has suggested he would retire if he were unable to defeat current champion Joshua Van.
For the longest time, it seemed like Muhammad Mokaev was destined to become UFC flyweight champion. However, following issues behind the scenes with the promotion, he was let go – and more often than not, when there’s a feud as public as this one, it’s rare that the UFC changes their mind.
RELATED: Demetrious Johnson responds to Muhammad Mokaev’s shocking MMA fight offer claims
While Mokaev has managed to stay active since his departure, it’s clear for all to see that he intends to one day make his return. Whether or not that happens, of course, is entirely down to whether or not they have enough trust in him.
When discussing a fight against current flyweight king Joshua Van, however, Mokaev was clearly feeling pretty confident.
Mokaev opens up on potential Van fight
“I could be champion (in the UFC) today,” Mokaev told Alvaro Kolmenero in an interview ahead of his WOW 31 fight.
“I love my career, and today, there’s a champion named Joshua Van, so my confidence and how much I love my career, I’m ready to retire if I don’t beat this guy, that is how confident I am that I could be champion today.
“He’s an easy fight, easy money, I believe this is right now the perfect fight for me and I can beat him 10 times out of 10.”
Quotes via Bloody Elbow
There’s never been any denying that Mokaev is one of the best flyweights on the planet, but first, he needs to get back in the good graces of the UFC. From there, hopefully, we can see them take a big step towards booking this encounter.
Do you agree that Van would lose his belt if these two ever fought? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below, BJPENN Nation!