So much for Muhammad Mokaev returning to fight on a big stage since his UFC departure.
Most Valuable Promotions announced Saturday that Mokaev has been forced out of his bout with former ONE Championship title holder Adriano Moraes due to visa issues. Stepping in to face Moraes (21-6) will be undefeated Phumi Nkuta (11-0).
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The news comes just one week out from the highly anticipated Ronda Rousey vs. Gina Carano fight card, which takes place May 16 from Intuit Dome in Inglewood, Calif., and streams on Netflix. Moraes vs. Nkuta will be contested at a catchweight of 130 pounds.
Since being released by the UFC in 2024, Mokaev has competed and won three fights, including becoming the inaugural Brave CF flyweight champion last November.
Moraes, who’s dropped three of his past four fights, is coming off a TKO loss to Yuya Wakamatsu in March 2025 at ONE 172. Nkuta is a veteran of LFA and Bellator, with seven of his 11 wins coming by decision.
Updated Rousey vs. Carano fight card
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Ronda Rousey vs. Gina Carano
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Kenneth Cross vs. Salahdine Parnasse
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Junior Dos Santos vs. Robelis Despaigne
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Adriano Moraes vs. Phumi Nkuta
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Jeff Creighton vs. Jason Jackson
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Jade Masson-Wong vs. Aline Pereira
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Jake Babian vs. Namo Fazil
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David Mgoyan vs. Albert Morales
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Chris Avila vs. Brandon Jenkins
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This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: Rousey vs. Carano card loses intriguing fight with UFC veteran
