What happened
Ariel Helwani reported Saturday, May 9, that Muhammad Mokaev has been removed from the May 16 MMA card because of visa delays. Former ONE champion Adriano Moraes will now face unbeaten Phumi Nkuta in a 130-pound catchweight bout contested over three five-minute rounds. The matchup replaces the previously announced Mokaev-Moraes flyweight booking on Most Valuable Promotions' Netflix event.
Why it matters
The change removes an unbeaten, high-profile flyweight from one of the deeper undercard fights on MVP's first MMA show with Netflix. It also gives Nkuta a major step up on short notice against a proven veteran, while Moraes must adjust from preparing for Mokaev to a different undefeated opponent a week before fight night. No betting line movement was available in the provided context.
The data edge
Date: May 16, 2026; New bout: Adriano Moraes (21-6) vs. Phumi Nkuta (11-0); Weight: Catchweight, 130 lbs; Format: 3 rounds x 5 minutes; Reason for change: Muhammad Mokaev off card due to visa delays; Original matchup: Muhammad Mokaev vs. Adriano Moraes at flyweight; Recent Nkuta result in available context: def. Namiki Kawahara by unanimous decision on March 27, 2026 at A1 Combat 34; Event context: MVP/Netflix MMA card at Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California.
What to watch
Watch for any further card adjustments and whether promoters release a formal update on Mokaev's status beyond this event. The next key detail is whether odds post for Moraes-Nkuta after the late replacement becomes official across sportsbooks.