When it comes to global MMA promotions, the UFC remains the cream of the crop – but that does not mean that the organization does not make mistakes with regard to its Roster of Talent.
Undoubtedly, the largest 'schedule error' in recent years arrived in mid-2024 when the promotion of controversial flying weight Muhammad Mokaev cut out of their ranks.
The British-Daystani Submission specialist became Axed after a series of Run-ins with fellow flying weight Manel Kape-Nu, while sticking his trade back into brave CF, has unveiled 'The Punisher' that he with the UFC matchmakers about his fighting future spoke.
Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC via Getty images
Muhammad Mokaev says that the door has been opened for UFC -3
After Muhammad Mokaev Kape defeated through a unanimous decision on UFC 304, many expected Dana White to confirm that he had finally earned his shot on flying weight gold.
Until the shock of the wider MMA world, however, the promotion decided that Mokaev had too much trouble handling and refused to extend his contract; Shortly thereafter he was officially removed from the UFC schedule and signed with brave CF.
Speaking earlier today against Ariel Helwani, Mokaev confirmed that he was talking to UFC Matchmakers Hunter Campbell and Mick Maynard about the possibility that he will be signed again.
'I spoke with Hunter [Campbell]. He said – he didn't say I would never come back to the UFC – he said I might be one or two fights. [from re-signing] And we go back to negotiations.
“I also spoke with Mick [Maynard]I came to him at the hotel for UFC Abu Dhabi and he was good, I explained the situation in which I am now with Brave, so when you are ready to draw back, I am free – as if I am free intermediary. “
Mokaev suggested that the UFC matchmakers might wait to see how he is developing in Brave CF before he decides whether he should sign him again in their schedule.
“I just want to stay busy and it's really hard for me to find opponents at the moment at a high level in this part of my career,” he explained, after he had scored an entry in the first round on Brave CF in December 91.
“They know that my dream is to come back and I'm here, that's it.”
As for the rumor that Muhammad Mokaev had spoken with the PFL while he was still under contract with the UFC, 'the Punisher' disputed an idea of secret negotiations: 'People said I spoke with the PFL, which I never did.
“If 7-0 and negotiations with another organization, that must be the most stupid that someone could do; Nobody did that of my team … Maybe my style was not as exciting as they wanted to see.
“Of course they want to see highlights, because highlights bring the money for the company, and it's a company for them – I am still young and I believe I can develop my game to bring the excitement.”
This is absolutely insane. The most talented flying weight in the MMA period is Muhammad Mokaev.
He belongs in the most important organization … the UFC.
Draw him again.
pic.twitter.com/dlrahbdmlr
– JG (@jakegerbermma) January 30, 2025
View tweet
MMA fans cry that it would be 'foolish not to sign him back' to the UFC selection
Given his brutal personality, fighting style and the fact that the UFC division is suffering from a serious lack of star power, it is no surprise that fans are desperate to see that Mokaev is being signed again for the promotion.
“The UFC would be foolish not to sign him back,” wrote one fan on X, with the other adding that “if Mokaev returns to the UFC, it can shake the division.”
He deserves it 1000%, of course we don't know the details from behind the scenes, but I have never seen him anything bad than other hunters on the Roster…. And he is a future champion, he deserves to be in the UFC, he deserved it … @muhammadmokaev let's go camping !!
– Dwayne (@Dwayne72959390) February 19, 2025
View tweet
UFC needs it again. He is the best flight weight in the world and the one whose destination it is to be a champion. Releasing him was a bad mistake full of tons of miscommunication and misunderstanding. We need Mokaev in the UFC as soon as possible
-. (@Ztnblancov2) February 19, 2025
View tweet
Apart from the fan base, various UFC hunters have also emerged in support of 'The Punisher'.
UFC Heavyweight Tom Aspinall believes that the situation around Mokaev remains extremely unfair and boxing legend Carl Froch says that the UFC rarely cuts hunters about their behavior.
'I think it's unfair [that they won’t re-sign him] To be honest with you, I think it is unfair. This happened for all this beef in the hotel and at the weightings and the rest it is not the first time, so I think it is a bit unfair for him to kick him out for an indefinite period of time. “
Mokaev is currently 13-0 as a professional and still just 24 years old, there is plenty of time for him to put himself back to the UFC Good Books.
Comments