‘Cut Them Both’ – MMA fighters and fans react after Muhammad Mokaev vs Manel Kape proves to be a bust after heated build-up

Muhammad Mokaev and Manel Kape were so busy brawling outside the cage leading up to their UFC 304 showdown that many expected a brawl, especially with a potential title shot on the line.

What we got, however, was something very different: a fight that was widely criticized and ultimately won on points by Mokaev.

The first round ultimately featured a lot of feinting, with neither man gaining a clear edge. The biggest action of the fight probably came in a moment in the second round, when Mokaev grabbed Kape’s shorts in a ground exchange. Mokaev appeared to show disrespect to referee Mike Beltran, who scolded Mokaev during the timeout but elected not to take a point.

Mokaev scored a takedown in the third round and had the better position, though Kape attempted a guillotine choke.

Mokaev won on all three scorecards, twice by 29-28 and once by 30-27.

Muhammad Mokaev scores controversial decision over Manel Kape in mediocre fight