Muhammad Mokaev has a new opponent for Friday’s Brave CF 91 show in Bahrain.
With Luthando Biko out due to health issues, Joevincent So has agreed to step in as a replacement on just two days’ notice and face the undefeated flyweight talent, MMA Fighting has learned. The bout will be contested at a catchweight of 130 pounds.
So (10-5) was already in Bahrain to corner Jhen Buzon, who faces Suchika Tariyal the next day at Brave CF 92, and said he flew to the country expecting for a late-notice chance to fight.
“I felt the opportunity would come. I don’t know why,” So said. “I was training in the Philippines, helping Jhen [Buzon], and I look at the cards, these two events, a lot of flyweights and bantamweights. I even packed my groin cup when I came. I was very confident. I just didn’t know it was going to be the jackpot, the big prize. Friday, everybody will know my name. I’ll shock the world.”
So held titles in his native Philippines and scored four of his 10 MMA wins via submission, but enters the cage looking to get back on track after losing a decision to Aaron Aby at UAE Warriors in hist recent bout in August 2023.
Mokaev, on the other hand, is undefeated in the sport with a run of 36 amateur and professional fights combined. The Dagestani flyweight went 7-0 under the UFC banner before leaving the promotion in July, the night he won a decision over Manel Kape.
“I have nothing to lose, everything to win,” So said. “I’m an exciting fighter, I’ll be on his face immediately. I’ll force him to put on an exciting fight.”
