GRAPHIC WARNING! UFC star Muhammad Mokaev releases pictures of wild staph infection leading to underwhelming performance

Muhammad Mokaev shares graphic pictures of his gnarly staph infection that led to a subpar performance at UFC Vegas 87.

GRAPHIC WARNING! UFC star Muhammad Mokaev releases pictures of wild staph infection leading to underwhelming performance

Muhammad Mokaev shares graphic pictures of his staph infection before fighting Alex Perez (via Imago)

UFC Vegas 87 saw the flyweight contender Muhammad Mokaev win a UD victory over Alex Perez. But his performance was critiqued by many fans and fighters as well. Recently, Mokaev revealed he battled a nasty staph infection in the lead-up to his UFC Vegas 87 bout. Mokaev published stomach-churning photos of the infection three weeks out from fighting Alex Perez.

‘The Punisher’ explained that he dealt with five staph infections that badly comprised his immune system. He had to take antibiotics, which destroyed his conditioning. The infection caused him to throw up the morning of weigh-ins. Despite the illness, Muhammad Mokaev toughed out a unanimous decision over Perez. He immediately called for a UFC flyweight title shot against Alexandre Pantoja afterward. This is what he posted:

For me was most important to make weight. 4 staph infections 3 weeks out. Antibiotics killed my immune system. I see some haters talking shit about my performance but you don’t see what we as fighters going through!
Muhammad Mokaev via X

Mokaev sharply criticized those mocking his performance without awareness of his condition. The photos showed significant red swelling on Mokaev’s body from the bacterial skin infection. Staph could result in extreme pain and energy-draining when severe. Muhammad Mokaev confirmed battling symptoms for three full weeks before the fight.

This made Mokaev fighting at all very admirable, much less still dominating statistically. Mokaev did appear fatigued late, which he attributed to the infection. The nasty infection made Mokaev’s durability and heart stand out further. At just 24 years old, his toughness and well-rounded skills became undeniable.

Analysis of Muhammad Mokaev vs. Alex Perez

The flyweight bout between Muhammad Mokaev and Alex Perez was certainly not one-sided. Fight fans and analysts criticized Mokaev’s performance after he called for a title shot against Alexandre Pantoja. Mokaev seemed tired after the second round, and the performance felt subpar. This being said, Mokaev was in no way inferior to Perez. He pushed the pace for most of the fight.

Analyzing Muhammad Mokaev vs. Alex Perez at UFC Vegas 87
Analyzing Muhammad Mokaev vs. Alex Perez at UFC Vegas 87 (via MMA Fighting)

Mokaev established his jab and kicked from range. Perez tried answering back with kicks of his own but struggled to find the target early. Mokaev showed good movement to avoid damage. Late in round one, Mokaev secured his first takedown along the fence after several strong attempts. He took Perez’s back and battered him with ground-and-pound punches for the rest of the round.

Perez stunned Mokaev briefly with a nasty leg kick in Round 2. However, Mokaev kept the pressure, eventually dragged Perez down, and controlled him against the cage. Mokaev implemented a similar game plan in the third round. He pressed Perez against the fence repeatedly, seeking takedowns.

After getting reversed a few times, Mokaev landed a big suplex slam to put Perez on his back. The third round ended with both fighters swinging freely, looking for a finish. But the bout went the distance. Ultimately, Mokaev’s superior grappling and control time led to a clear unanimous decision victory.

In case you missed it: