Muhammad Mokaev gives a surprising response to Tatsuro Taira's call-out

Tatsuro Taira’s callout got Muhammad Mokaev’s attention and his response was baffling, to say the least. Unlike most ranked fighters, Mokaev stands out as a unique fighter who is willing to give a relatively unknown man a chance.

The 23-year-old Taira scored his fifth UFC win at UFC Vegas 83 when he defeated Carlos Hernandez via second-round TKO. The Japanese prospect used his time on the mic to call out the No.9-ranked flyweight Mokaev:

“Where is [Muhammad] Mokaev?”

He added (via a translator):

“I’ve always been asking for a ranked opponent. Didn’t happen this time but for the next time, I should be ready for a ranked opponent.”

Taira, who absorbed little damage in the Hernandez fight, is targeting a return in the first quarter of 2024. Mokaev initially laughed off the callout and posted on X:

“Soon as I got matched up, callouts started [Laughing emoji]. We will be boy, make sure you accept.”

However, the Dagestani-British fighter welcomed the prospect of fighting Taira and put forth an interesting proposition. Mokaev, who is scheduled to fight Alex Perez in March 2024, asked Taira to be ready and wrote on X:

“If Perez pulls out, Taira be ready to step in, I’m not like the rest of the top 10 to not accept the fight lower ranked fighters, I will give you a chance [Thumbs up].”

Mokaev is coming off a submission win over Tim Elliott in October 2023. All three of his most recent wins have come by way of submission. Mokaev (11-0-1NC) and Taira (15-0) are both undefeated in their pro careers.