Alex Perez vs. Muhammad Mokaev: Preview, Where to Watch and Betting Odds

Streaking flyweight Muhammad Mokaev faces former title challenger Alex Perez on the main card of UFC Fight Night 238. The unbeaten Mokaev has raced up the UFC flyweight rankings since a 2022 debut. Now in the top ten, a clash with Alex Perex would clarify Mokaev's prospects, who is touted as a future flyweight champ. The Russian-born Mokaev is the massive favorite ahead of the bout this weekend at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas.

MMA: UFC Flyweight

Venue: UFC Apex, Las Vegas

Where to watch: ESPN+

Date: 03.03.2024. 03:40

The American flyweight returns to the Octagon for the first time since losing to current flyweight champion Alexandre Pantoja in 2022. Fraught with health challenges, the 31-year-old former flyweight title contender is on a two-fight skid, losing a tilt for the title against Deiveson Figueiredo in late 2020 before his defeat to Pantoja. Alex Perez debuted in the UFC in 2017, winning six of his first seven fights. He is now number seven in the 125-pound rankings.

• Age: 31
• Height: 5' 6"
• Reach: 65
• Weight: 125 Ibs (57kg)
• Record: 24-7

British fighter Muhammad Mokaev has finished his last three opponents via submission. Now 5-0 in the UFC, the rising contender has two performance of the night bonus awards and has been taken to the distance just once. The 27-year-old, who grew up in Manchester after arriving from Russia as a teen, utilizes his freestyle wrestling and submission grappling skills to overcome his opponents. "The Punisher" is now tied with Alexander Pantoja for the second most submissions in the flyweight division with four.

• Age: 27
• Height: 5' 9"
• Reach: 70
• Weight: 125 Ibs (57kg)
• Record: 11-0-1 (NC)

Alex Perez is a 3.97 underdog on Betwinner, which prices the total over 2.5 at 1.9 odds. 1XBET prices a win for Muhammad Mokaev in rounds 1-2 at 2.8 and in round 3 or decision at 2.1 odds. The favorite by submission is 2.60 odds on BEt365, and by KO/TKO, it is 9.00 odds.