Muhammad Mokaev remains undefeated with victory over Alex Perez at UFC Vegas 87
The Ultimate Fighting Championship returns to us today, March 2, 2024, for UFC Vegas 87, going down live from the UFC Apex in Enterprise, Nevada.
Headlining the event is a heavyweight bout between no. 12 ranked Jairzinho Rozenstruik (13-5) and fellow dangerous finisher Shamil Gaziev (12-0).
Co-headlining the event is a light-heavyweight affair between Brazil’s Vitor Petrino (10-0) and Australia’s Tyson Pedro (10-4).
Our feature fight of the evening came in the flyweight division between no. 7 ranked former title challenger Alex Perez (24-8) and no. 8 ranked Muhammad Mokaev (12-0). Perez came into his first appearance in nearly two years today, having gone 6-3 thus far into his UFC tenure, while Mokaev had gone a perfect 5-0 with four submissions in the promotion to date.
Continue reading to see how our UFC Vegas 87 flyweight feature fight went down:
Official Result: Muhammad Mokaev def. Alex Perez via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
The two battle on the feet through the opening half of the first round, trading heavy punches and leg kicks, before Mokaev eventually shoots in on a takedown.
Perez did a good job of stuffing his early takedown attempts, though he would be taken down in the final minute, Mokaev wrapping up his wrist and nearly securing back mount where he reigned down heavy punches until the bell sounds.
Mokaev immediately secures another takedown once round two begins, taking Perez’ back quickly in the scramble. Perez shrugs him off however and does a great job of stuffing Mokaev’s takedown attempts following.
Mokaev shoots in on another takedown to begin the third and final round, soon after tossing Perez over his shoulders with a beautiful suplex. Perez is back to his feet quickly once again and continues to show off impressive wrestling defense throughout the remainder of the fight.
Perez was taken down three times in roughly 20 attempts, though he was outstruck throughout the three-round affair. This was a close one that honestly could’ve gone either way. Perez showed up today, as did Mokaev, who admitted in the post-fight interview he was quite sick earlier this morning.
Muhammad Mokaev remains undefeated with his second-straight win over a former title challenger, improving to 6-0 inside the octagon today at UFC Vegas 87.
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