One of the brightest young prospects, the undefeated flyweight Muhammad Mokaev, is still outside of the UFC. Although he was never defeated in the Octagon, his partnership with the promotion reached its conclusion after his last bout at UFC 304 in which he submitted Manel Kape. However, this triumph was placed in controversy that surfaced and saw him leave the camp of Dana White.
Dana White’s Disappointment
Unfortunately, Makaev’s stint with the UFC didn’t end the same triumphant as entering the organization. But as much as Mokaev could boast of his unbeaten record, the contract with him was not renewed by Dana White. From insiders’ mouth, Mokaev was categorised as someone who is hard to manage.Well, this animosity began after numerous violations during the fight against Kape, which was not well taken by the UFC president. These fouls together with other issues that White has been struggling to handle in the management of the fighter was the reason he had to release him.
Cryptic Tweet Sparks Speculation
It was the swashbuckling Mokaev who fell silent after his release and the fans as well the pundits had to wait till he announced his next move. The silence was however brought to an end by a tweet that only contained the word ‘Signed’. The brief message triggered a debate among MMA fans asking which promotion signed the young talented fighter.
New Chapter Begins
Before this rude awakening tweet, Mokaev had been dropping suggestions that he is considering signing for Brave FC. Referee Harddone posted on his Facebook.com page, “New gloves but same goal”, some interpreted it as his next station. But this is the first time his recent tweet has brought that assumption into serious doubt. Mokaev’s next steps remain shrouded in mystery, but one thing is clear: He still more than has a career in MMA in front of him.
Other promotions have not remained indifferent to Mokaev’s skills. On one of the social media platforms he recently posted to acknowledge the many organizations that had contacted him. “I’d like to thank all the Organizations who contacted me. Thank you Brave CF, Rizin, PFL, Karate combat ACA I appreciate your believing in me. Now as I said let me sit down with my team and take the best of what, for me, is not the money but what can let me come back to UFC ASAP,” Mokaev added. As it is obvious, even if UFC has made its decision, Mokaev remains in high demand in the MMA circle.
Veterans and Fans React
The firing decision has elicited criticism ever since it was made to cut ties with Mokaev. A sore decision, some fans pointed out, most of the critics including MMA veterans argued that the decision was not borne out of Mokaev’s performance. A veterans of the sport, Aljamain Sterling, was one of the fighters who voiced their dissatisfaction with the self-appointed decision by White. The feeling here is that Mokaev’s skill should be given another opportunity to perform in the UFC once again, and his exit may have been too soon.
A Fighter’s Resolve
Still, Mokaev does not seem to be losing sight of the target, and that is a good thing. His ultimate goal remains clear: A return to the UFC which he has said is where he wants to be and feels that he still has things to prove in the organization. Therefore, for now, fans will have to wait and see with which promotion Mokaev will further progress and start his career. However, there is one fact that is beyond doubt – no matter where the 24-year-old will go, he will take the determination and dexterity that once appeared in the UFC with him.
