Former UFC fighters Muhammad Mokaev and Sam Alvey showed they still have plenty left in the tank with emphatic victories at Karate Combat 54, which took place this weekend in Dubai.
The event saw two major headlines unfold: Mokaev’s long-awaited promotional debut and Alvey’s successful defense of his heavyweight title, both delivered with highlight-reel finishes that reignited talks of a potential UFC return.
Mokaev Returns With Fire, Alvey Scores a Knockout Over a Legend
In the co-main event, undefeated flyweight Muhammad Mokaev made his Karate Combat debut after parting ways with the UFC late last year. Facing Bolat Zamanbekov, Mokaev wasted no time sending a message to both fans and UFC brass. The 23-year-old showcased his striking evolution, landing a brutal body shot that folded his opponent before sealing the win with a flying knee against the wall of the pit. The finish electrified the Dubai crowd and reaffirmed Mokaev’s elite potential—even outside the Octagon.
Mokaev, who holds a win over Manel Kape, was unexpectedly let go from the UFC despite remaining unbeaten. His statement performance in Dubai could put him back on the radar for the promotion—if not, he’s now one of Karate Combat’s top prospects.
Minutes later, Sam Alvey stepped into the main event against kickboxing icon Tyrone Spong in what many considered his toughest test to date in the promotion. The two traded early, but Alvey’s composure and power told the story. In Round 2, “Smile’n Sam” unleashed a clean combination that dropped Spong, marking his third knockout and fourth win inside the Karate Combat pit.
Since joining KC in 2022 following his UFC exit, Alvey has emerged as one of the most consistent heavyweights in the organization. Now 4-0-1 under the banner, the veteran continues to reinvent himself in a new format—and Saturday’s performance may have been his most impressive yet.
Tsarukyan’s Grappling Statement, Eyes on Makhachev
UFC lightweight contender Arman Tsarukyan also appeared on the KC 54 card, competing in a submission grappling match against Team Khabib’s Makkasharip Zaynukov. Tsarukyan cruised to a unanimous decision win, then took the opportunity to make a subtle callout—seemingly directed at UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev.
Tsarukyan was previously booked to challenge Makhachev at UFC 311 but withdrew due to injury. With the title picture still unfolding, he could be looking to re-enter the mix soon, possibly against Ilia Topuria, who’s hinted at a return to lightweight at UFC 317.
Full Results – Karate Combat 54 (Dubai)
Sam Alvey def. Tyrone Spong via second-round KO (punches)
Muhammad Mokaev def. Bolat Zamanbekov via second-round KO (body kick & knee)
Kiamrian Abbasov def. Jayden Eynaud via first-round TKO (punches)
Adam Noi def. Ali Zarinfar via split decision
Oussama Assli def. Naimov Firdavshon via unanimous decision
Arman Tsarukyan def. Makkasharip Zaynukov via unanimous decision (grappling)
Ali Aliev def. Mohamad Osseili via unanimous decision
Saifullakh Khambakhadov def. Hossein Mollamahdi via first-round TKO (eye injury)
Sajad Sattari def. Mo Abdurahman via unanimous decision
Bruno Chaves def. Sergey Veselkin via first-round KO (punch)
Abdullah Chandio def. Ali Alqaisi via unanimous decision
Asha Roka def. Li Lishan via second-round KO (punches)
Roslan Bendania def. Amro Abdeen via second-round KO (punches)
Pouya Rahmani def. Slim Trabelsi via unanimous decision — grappling match
Saygid Izagakhmaev def. Khotam Boynazarov via first-round submission (armbar) — grappling match
Davud Tirmizi def. Brandon Jensen via second-round TKO (punches)
Karate Combat 54 delivered a memorable night for fans in Dubai—and perhaps a new chapter for several familiar faces. With veterans resurging and contenders rising, the event solidified itself as a platform that blends spectacle with opportunity.
