“They can’t stop you speaking!” – Week after Israeli flag walkout in UFC, Muhammad Mokaev reveals no flags for Abu Dhabi event

UFC flyweight contender Muhammed Mokaev reveals that flags won't be showcased at UFC 294, sparking discussions amid geopolitical tensions.

“They can’t stop you speaking!” – Week after Israeli flag walkout in UFC, Muhammad Mokaev reveals no flags for Abu Dhabi event

Muhammad Mokaev comments on flag ban (Image via Imago, X/Aaron Bronsteter)

Muhammad Mokaev is a surging contender in the UFC’s flyweight division. He recently tweeted about a certain rule change with the promotion. His tweet garnered traction and was widely commented on by fans. The UFC had earlier introduced a flag ban as a result of repercussions from the Russian invasion of Ukraine. It was lifted by the promotion after Noche UFC, where Dana White had a change of heart.

Subsequently, Michel Periera famously donned the Israeli flag at UFC Fight Night 230 garnering both support and dissent. At the time, it was widely circulated that UFC 294 would be a hotbed for pro-Palestinian views. However, a recent tweet by Muhammad Mokaev confirmed that it is not the case. Mokaev tweeted, “No flags at UFC 294.” In response, a fan commented, “They can’t stop you speaking brother.”

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The recent Israeli-Palestinian skirmish has resulted in UFC fighters taking different sides. Almost all the Muslim fighters voiced their support for the Palestinian people. Many condemned both parties and others chose to side with Israel. Among the vocal supporters of Palestine is Belal Muhammad. Muhammad’s parents are from Palestine. On the other hand, Natan Levy is an ardent supporter of Israel. It is very likely that Mokaev would have some words to say about the conflict if victorious at UFC 294.

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Mokaev is set to face Tim Elliot in the main event of the preliminary card. The undefeated prospect is touted to be a future champion by many. The 23-year-old fighter is undefeated not only in his professional career but also in his amateur career as well. He is 4-0 in the UFC with all but one victory coming via finish. Elliot is a former title challenger in the division. The flyweight title will be on the line at UFC 296 when Brandon Royval takes on incumbent, Alexandre Pantoja.

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Muhammad Mokaev expecting an exciting fight from awkward Tim Elliot at UFC 294

The main event of the prelims of UFC 294 features an important clash in the flyweight division. 10th-ranked Tim Elliot will be facing 11th-ranked Muhammad Mokaev. The undefeated Mokaev will be facing Elliot who is on a two-fight win streak.

Muhammad Mokaev
Muhammad Mokaev (Image via: X/UFC)

In the pre-fight presser of the event, Mokaev showed respect for Elliot. When Mokaev signed with the UFC, Elliot was the only ranked fighter willing to fight him. However, Mokaev believes that he holds the edge over the former title challenger. Moreover, a win over Elliot will put him in the top 10 of the rankings.

Ever since Demetrious Johnson left the promotion, the flyweight title changed hands many times. Since Johnson, Henry Cejudo, Deiveson Figuerido, Brandon Moreno, and Alexandre Pantoja have become champions with the promotion. There is no parity in the division and thus Mokaev has a road to the title.

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