It has been over two years since Muhammad Mokaev’s departure from the UFC, yet he remains determined to find clarity regarding his exit. In July 2024, the Russian-born British fighter extended his UFC winning streak to seven by defeating Manuel Kape via unanimous decision at UFC 304, seemingly solidifying his position as a leading contender in the flyweight division with a title shot on the horizon.
To many, Mokaev seemed to have everything going for him. His win against Kape in Manchester appeared to cement his status among the top contenders, but later that evening, UFC President Dana White stunned fans by announcing the organization would not renew Mokaev’s contract. Speculation arose that Mokaev’s conduct leading up to the fight—including confrontations with Kape at their hotel and weigh-ins—may have played a role in the UFC’s decision. However, Mokaev denies this, questioning, “If I was a bad guy, why would they let me fight seven times and renew my contract twice?” He suggests that if his behavior were genuinely problematic, he would have been cut much earlier.
Mokaev, who came to the UK as a refugee at age 12, believes his wrestling-oriented approach may have influenced the UFC’s decision. Notably, after winning his debut fight in 58 seconds by submission and securing a unanimous decision over Charles Johnson, the UFC reportedly told his manager to have Mokaev “stop wrestling,” as they preferred fighters with more finish-oriented styles. Mokaev highlights his approximately 60% finish rate in the UFC, with four of seven fights ended before decision, stressing his growth and achievements against top-level competition since he was 21. He admits to feeling puzzled by the UFC’s politics and wishes he understood the full reasoning behind their choices.
Since leaving the UFC, Mokaev has been remarkably active, participating in eight fights over two years, submitting opponents through various techniques including chokes, body kicks, head kicks, and punches, while also claiming titles in Brave CF and ACBJJ. Despite this, he has struggled to regain the attention of UFC matchmakers like Hunter Campbell, Mick Maynard, and Sean Shelby. Although he remains in communication with Campbell and Shelby via WhatsApp, Mokaev accuses the UFC of continually shifting expectations. He expresses frustration, saying, “Hunter made me a promise. They basically wasted two years of my life.”
Mokaev was also offered a $10,000 (£7,399) purse to compete in UFC Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu against bantamweight champion Mikey Musumeci—a sum he found insulting. Though willing to accept the bout if it led to a UFC contract, the organization reportedly rejected that condition, prompting a blunt and expletive-filled response from Mokaev.
As Joshua Van prepares to defend his flyweight title in a rematch against Alexandre Pantoja at UFC 331, Mokaev can’t help but reflect on what might have been. Van became the first UFC champion born in the 2000s after defeating Pantoja in December, a milestone many expected Mokaev to achieve given his rapid ascent after joining the UFC in 2021. Mokaev’s seven-fight winning streak is surpassed only by former champions Demetrious Johnson and Pantoja. He remains convinced that he is the best flyweight globally and is confident that a UFC title will come, even if later than expected.
“The way I keep competing and winning, eventually they’re going to send me there,” he says, adding, “I think I’m the best flyweight in the world and I deserve to fight the best.” This belief informs his choice to sign one-fight deals awaiting a better opportunity, despite being offered more lucrative multi-fight contracts since 2024. One such proposition came from the Professional Fighters League (PFL), inviting him to compete at bantamweight, as that promotion does not yet have a men’s flyweight division. Mokaev would consider joining the PFL should they establish a 125-pound class following their July merger with Jake Paul’s Most Valuable Promotions.
At 26 years old, still young by MMA standards, Mokaev prioritizes staying active and doing what benefits his family.
Fan Take: Muhammad Mokaev’s story highlights the complex business dynamics behind MMA that fans don’t always see—talented fighters can be sidelined for reasons beyond their performance inside the cage. His persistence and impressive post-UFC run demonstrate how much potential the flyweight division still holds, and his eventual return could shake up the championship landscape and bring fresh excitement to the sport.
Source: sports.yahoo.com
