Major shifts in the fighter rankings and standings at UFC 304 sent shockwaves through the mixed martial arts industry. British Dagestani star Muhammad Mokaev was unexpectedly fired from the UFC despite having a perfect 13-match winning run. The young flyweight who won over Manel Cape at UFC 304 is no longer with the company, and fans and industry insiders are wondering what exactly caused him to go.
Mokaev’s UFC departure was unexpected
Muhammad Mokaev’s dismissal from the UFC shocked many. The fighter’s performance at UFC 304 was impressive, but not enough to keep him under the UFC banner. UFC president Dana White wasted no time in making scandalous comments about Mokaev’s future, saying, “He’s not under contract anymore. I think the PFL is going to have great guys, who don’t lose. Good luck to him.”
White’s comment seems to suggest a misconception of what Mokaev can do. Despite Mokaev’s invincibility, background events seem to have influenced this sudden decision.
Dana White’s disparaging comments about the PFL have raised questions about the UFC’s attitude towards their competitors. White’s comments followed a history of hostility to other promotions, including recent harsh comments about PFL-Bellator. During the UFC 300 event, White criticized the PFL, saying, “You know the PFLator [PFL-Bellator] was here [in Las Vegas] on Friday…I didn’t know until I fu**ing Friday. ”
White’s PFL jibe after Mokaev’s dismissal seemed destined. According to inside reports, Mokaev and the PFL were looking for opportunities ahead of the final fight. Leaks indicate that UFC officials are aware of Mokaev’s interest in other promotions, including th
One of the most important reasons for Mokaev’s dismissal appears to have been dissatisfaction with his salary. Mokaev had previously expressed disappointment with his income on social media, revealing that he only makes $16,000 per fight, with about $5,000 going directly to him In a tweet in 2022, Mokaev said, “I am Alex Perez who I am willing to do pay him $10,000 if he takes this fight and goes to the event! Unfortunately my salary [is] so high, I’m at $16,000 right now but I’m here to make history!”
Clearly, Mokaev’s financial situation may have influenced his decision to seek better opportunities elsewhere. This dissatisfaction with pay, coupled with the UFC’s swift decision to suspend him, highlights the tension between fighter pay and management decisions
What lies ahead for Mokaev?
Following UFC 304, Mokaev’s official exit from the UFC was announced by the promotion, who ordered him to be dropped from the flyweight rankings. Mokaev is free to pursue other big promotions now that he is a free agent.
A highly sought-after talent, Mokaev has an incredible career and an unblemished record. Opportunities with PFL, Bellator, or ONE Championship are among the companies the fighter can pursue. The entry of Mokaev may alter the course of these changes, even though they are still trying to challenge the UFC’s hegemony.
Another chapter for Mokaev
A complex web of managerial choices, budgetary concerns, and competitive maneuvers has come to light with Muhammad Mokaev’s UFC release. As he develops his career, the MMA community will be keenly interested in seeing where this promising young talent ends up next.
