Muhammad Mokaev pleaded for new contract, title shot after UFC 304 win ... but was it too late?

Muhammad Mokaev is hoping his win over Manel Kape at UFC 304 gets him a new contract and a flyweight title shot.

MANCHESTER, England – Muhammad Mokaev is hoping that his efforts on Saturday night turn into a new contract and an opportunity to fight for UFC gold.

Mokaev, who defeated Manel Kape in a unanimous decision at UFC 304, fought out his contract with the promotion as he picked up his seventh consecutive win in the octagon.

“Yes, I want to fight for the belt and I hope the UFC gives me a new contract,” Mokaev told reporters at the UFC 304 post-fight press conference. “My contract is finished with the UFC. I hope to get a new contract. They want exciting fights and I tried to put my striking together. This is the first time in my career that I was standing for three rounds and with the best flyweight striker.”

Although Mokaev (13-0 MMA, 7-0 UFC) didn’t put on the most exciting performance against Kape (19-7 MMA, 4-3 UFC), he believes his better days are ahead and promises to evolve into a more fan-friendly style.

“I’m young, still not in my prime,” Mokaev said. “If they want me to stand and bang, toe-to-toe, with this 30-year-old grown man, I have to do what’s best for me.”

Mokaev said the UFC didn’t offer him a new contract in the lead up to Satuday’s event. UFC CEO Dana White commented on the situation following the fight, and didn’t seem keen on re-signing the undefeated contender.

“They said they’re going to see how I perform,” Mokaev said regading not getting an offer in the build up to UFC 304. “They don’t want to see me keep shooting and taking somebody down. I’ve done what I could do tonight.”

For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 304.