"Muhammad Mokaev (16-0, 1NC), a former UFC flyweight and undefeated talent released by the UFC under controversial circumstances, was to have faced Adriano Moraes (21-6) at the event on May 16, 2026. However, with Mokaev encountering visa issues, it's Phumi Nkuta stepping in to take his place."
"Per Mokaev, his visa wasn't rejected, he simply wasn't given an appointment in time to secure it. He also revealed that he had warned Moraes of the possible complication weeks ago. "Four weeks out I texted my opponent, I did my full camp, visa wasn't refused, just couldn't [find] appointment slots," Mokaev stated on social media in response to the news."
"Nkuta (11-0) has won titles in Cage Fury FC and Urijah Faber's A1 Combat. He's long been considered a prospect at flyweight, one with serious UFC potential, but has yet to been given a shot by the promotion. Moraes is a former ONE Championship champ best known for his series with flyweight great Demetrious "Mighty Mouse" Johnson."
"MVP MMA 1 airs on Netflix on Saturday, May 16, 2026 with Ronda Rousey vs. Gina Carano headlining. Francis Ngannou vs. Philipe Lins and Nate Diaz vs. Mike Perry also feature on the card."
Muhammad Mokaev was scheduled to face Adriano Moraes on May 16, 2026 at MVP MMA on Netflix. Visa appointment problems prevented Mokaev from securing travel in time, leading to Phumi Nkuta stepping in as the replacement. Mokaev stated his visa was not refused, but appointment slots were unavailable despite completing his full training camp. Nkuta enters with an 11-0 record and has won titles in Cage Fury FC and Urijah Faber’s A1 Combat. Moraes is a former ONE Championship flyweight champion known for his trilogy with Demetrious “Mighty Mouse” Johnson. The event also features Ronda Rousey vs. Gina Carano, Francis Ngannou vs. Philipe Lins, and Nate Diaz vs. Mike Perry.
Read at Cageside Press
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