Mokaev claims four elite grapplers backed out before Boleian steps up for ACBJJ title

Muhammad Mokaev has revealed a turbulent week of failed grappling negotiations, claiming four high-profile opponents each agreed to face him before pulling out the very next day, leaving him to secure a last-minute matchup against Moris Boleian for the ACBJJ 60kg Grand Title on 30 August at Ora Arena in Istanbul, Turkey.

The undefeated flyweight named former One Championship titleholder Adriano Moraes and UFC flyweights Asu Almabayev, Alibi Idiris, and Ramazonbek Temirov as the four fighters who he says accepted and then withdrew. Mokaev shared the account on X, writing: “It was crazy week. Signed to compete 4 names in 1 week (Adriano Moraes, Asu Almabayev, Alibi Idris & Ramazan Temirov) And they all too but next day the didn’t want to. At the end only this guy accepted.”

None of the four named fighters have publicly responded to the allegations.

Boleian, who steps in as Mokaev’s opponent, carries an 8-1 professional record and has finished all eight of his victories by submission. His only career defeat came via split decision at UAE Warriors in January of this year, making him a credible and dangerous grappling opponent despite the late notice.

Mokaev himself has been busy since departing the UFC in 2024. The 16-0 fighter has recorded three finishes across four MMA bouts and one victory in Karate Combat since leaving the promotion. On the grappling circuit, however, he did suffer a defeat in his most recent outing — a loss against a significantly heavier Arman Tsarukyan — a result that adds context to his eagerness to stay active and rebuild momentum ahead of the Istanbul event.

The ACBJJ 60kg Grand Title bout represents a meaningful step for Mokaev as he continues to build his post-UFC career across multiple combat disciplines.