Having recently extended his undefeated streak at UFC 304 in Manchester, Muhammad Mokaev finds himself in an unexpected bit of bad luck. Despite maintaining a perfect record, the young fighter was unceremoniously released from the UFC. The decision, announced by UFC CEO Dana White, shocked fans and analysts. Mokaev was once considered a rising star on the promotional scene, but now faces an uncertain future.
The news of the release came as a shock, especially in light of Mokaev’s victory in the Octagon. Frustrated and disappointed, Mokaev suggested he could go to new heights, even teasing the switch to Brave FC with a cryptic message on social media: “New fingers but same goal ”. But recent developments suggest its journey could take a different direction.
Mokaev’s Response: Thankful but Determined
In a recent post on X, Mokaev expressed his appreciation to the fight organizations that reached out to him after he left the UFC. Organizations that awarded contracts included Brave CF, Rizin, PFL, Karate Combat and ACA. “Thank you to all the organizations that reached out to me,” Mokaev wrote. Brave CF, Reason, PFL, Karate Martial Arts, ACA. I appreciate you believing in me. Now I’m going to sit down with my team and we take the best and not money-wise approach but that could get me back in the UFC ASAP.”
Mokaev’s comments reflected his unwavering determination to return to the UFC. But with a strong position against Dana White, his return may not be as easy as Mokaev expects. White’s decision to release Mokaev has sparked a lot of controversy in the MMA community, with many questioning the reasoning behind it.
At a press conference, Dana White offered some insight into why Mokaev was released. White cited “background issues” as the main reason he referenced an incident outside the UFC Performance Institute. The incident, witnessed by UFC fighter Gene Silva, was cited as a key factor in the decision. White quickly dismissed claims that Mokaev’s fighting style had anything to do with his release.
But this explanation did little to quell criticism from MMA analysts and fellow fighters. Many say the reasons White gave are not enough to justify a fighter with Mokaev’s abilities.
Alzman Sterling Says: Mokaev’s defense
Among the most vocal critics of Mokaev’s firing is UFC featherweight champion Alzman Sterling. Sterling, who recently lost to Calvin Katter at UFC 300, didn’t stop to voice his disagreement with Dana White’s decision. Speaking on The MMA Hour, Sterling minced every word in the criticism of the UFC’s handling of the Mokaev situation.
“If you ask me, I think it’s f*cked up,” Sterling said. “I don’t think there was any real reason to cut it. You can call it piggybacking like a fight on the P.I., but that takes two people to tango.” Stirling also referred to the infamous ‘sucker punch’ incident between Manel Kape and Mokaev in the lobby of the hotel, and questioned why the event was not included in the decision
Sterling’s comments have fueled the fire, with many fans and fellow fighters rallying behind Mokaev. The case raised concerns about the fairness and transparency of the UFC’s decision-making process, especially when it comes to young fighters with promising careers
The Way Forward: Will Mokaev get to return to the UFC?
As such, Muhammad Mokaev and his team are actively looking for a way to return to the UFC. The fighter turning down numerous offers from other promotions underscores his determination to save his career in the UFC. But the tenacity of Dana White will make the road to redemption difficult.
