Tag: Muhammad Mokaev

Muhammad Mokaev books first fight after parting ways with the UFC

Muhammad Mokaev will return to his original home when he competes at BRAVE CF 91.

[autotag]Muhammad Mokaev[/autotag] will return to his original home when he competes at BRAVE CF 91.

Mokaev (13-0) takes on former EFC champion [autotag]Luthando Biko[/autotag] (12-3) in a flyweight bout Dec. 13 at Khalifa Sports City in Bahrain. A person with knowledge of the situation confirmed the booking to MMA Junkie on Thursday following an initial report from MMA Fighting.

Mokaev parted ways with the UFC on bad terms after a unanimous decision win over Manel Kape at UFC 304 in July. The promotion opted not to re-sign the undefeated flyweight, who was on the cusp of title contention.

During the UFC 304 post-fight news conference, Dana White announced the news of Mokaev not being re-signed, pointing to the matchmakers’ discontent with his behavior. However, in a recent interview with MMA Junkie, Mokaev plotted a UFC return, and was hopeful that he could eventually make his way back to the octagon.

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Muhammad Mokaev plots octagon return in 2025: ‘I want to become UFC champion’

Muhammad Mokaev still has faith he’ll make his way back to the UFC.

ABU DHABI – [autotag]Muhammad Mokaev[/autotag] still has faith that he’ll make his way back to the UFC.

Despite improving to 7-0 in the octagon with a win over Manel Kape at UFC 304, the UFC opted not to re-sign Mokaev (13-0 MMA, 7-0 UFC). Dana White announced the news in harsh fashion during the post-fight news conference.

As an undefeated fighter on the cusp of flyweight title contention, Mokaev knew something was off when he wasn’t offered a new contract during his UFC deal.

“I was feeling this because it was my last fight on the contract. I was feeling something not going right,” Mokaev told MMA Junkie. “I don’t think it’s because of what happened between me and Manel at the hotel because usually they change the contract not on the last fight, maybe like two fights left. But I was on my last fight, and I asked for a new contract, I couldn’t get it, and I felt something was going on.”

Mokaev thinks the UFC’s decision came because of a mix of things – his behavior, which included multiple altercations with Kape, as well as his fighting style. He has since signed with BRAVE CF, his home prior to joining the UFC.

“I’ve been told I need to have more finishes inside the octagon,” Mokaev said. “But I’m 7-0, four finishes, I was 23 years old, I don’t know what else? I cannot get seven out of seven. I tried my best. I came out from all big injuries, still competing, still accepting the big names. Now in the UFC, I have five fighters who I beat, all in top 15, and I think I just need to sit down and speak to Dana.

“I spoke to Hunter (Campbell) straight after what happened in Manchester. He said, ‘We will see you back in the UFC,’ but maybe they want to see me mature more outside the octagon, but whatever happened, I’m ready to come back now. I’m fighting in BRAVE, so whenever they call me, I’m ready. I want to become UFC champion, and I knew I could because I was very, very close to it.”

Mokaev, who competes in Friday’s ADXC 6 event when he takes on fellow ex-UFC fighter Rogerio Bontorin in a no-gi grappling match, hopes he can call the octagon his home again next year.

“I think one or two fights,” Mokaev said. “I think that’s the amount of fights that I need to do, but I just want to stay busy.”

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Former UFC standout Muhammad Mokaev returns to Brave CF after signing deal

Muhammad Mokaev is returning to familiar surroundings as the former UFC standout has re-signed with Bahrain-based promotion Brave CF.

[autotag]Muhammad Mokaev[/autotag] is returning to familiar surroundings as the former UFC flyweight standout has re-signed with Bahrain-based promotion Brave CF.

Brave CF officials confirmed the signing to MMA Junkie’s Farah Hannoun on Saturday following an initial report from MMA Fighting.

Mokaev’s return to Brave CF, where he competed in 2021 before joining the UFC, ends a briefly tumultuous part of his young career after UFC CEO Dana White made it clear last month that he had no interest in keeping Mokaev, who fought out his contract at UFC 304. Mokaev remained undefeated by beating Manel Kape and had been in line for a title shot, but during the UFC 304 post-event news conference, White cited behind-the-scenes issues between UFC matchmakers and Mokaev as the primary reason for not wanting him back.

After some time to think about the decision, White later reaffirmed his position. Brave CF is welcoming Mokaev back with open arms.

“There has been an unjust persecution of his character and attempts to use defamation to feed personal vendettas, and is evidently clear that there are no clear reasons as to why the best athlete in the world cannot compete,” Brave CF president Mohammad Shahid said in a statement. “This is not what the sport is all about, and for BRAVE CF to have him back is fantastic, and he now can become a voice for all these challenges.

“Not only that, his return solidifies our ethos to have the best fight the best irrespective of any other variable, be it of creed, sex, color or marketability.

“We would like to welcome back Muhammad Mokaev, an undefeated superstar, who is an amateur legend, with two IMMAF world titles, and someone who has proven to be the best flyweight in the world, with no losses to his amateur or professional record. This is a very exciting time for Brave CF.”

Mokaev, 24, went 7-0 in the UFC and is coming off consecutive wins over former title challenger Tim Elliott, and contenders Alex Perez and Kape.

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Former UFC standout Muhammad Mokaev OK after crashing vehicle in Dagestan

According to a Russian news outlet, Muhammed Mokaev’s vehicle “flew into a ditch after the collision.”

Former UFC flyweight standout [autotag]Muhammad Mokaev[/autotag] says he’s doing OK after being involved in a car accident while visiting family in Dagestan.

According to Russian news outlet Mash, Mokaev’s vehicle collided with another vehicle and “flew into (a) ditch after the collision.” Mokaev reportedly was pulled from the vehicle by eyewitnesses at the scene. Photos showed severe damage to his car.

In a post on X, Mokaev later confirmed the crash and said he was “out from (the) hospital.”

“I have been tested on high level at this stage of my career and I will be back stronger InshaAllah!” Mokaev wrote.

Mokaev (13-0) last month fought out his UFC contract when he defeated Manel Kape by unanimous decision at UFC 304. Afterward, UFC CEO Dana White said the promotion would not re-sign the 24-year-old undefeated fighter, citing matchmakers’ struggles to deal with him behind the scenes. White didn’t specify what the issues were.

Mokaev has garnered interest from the PFL, with CEO Peter Murray telling Sherdog that Mokaev “could absolutely be the future face of flyweights.”

PFL changes tune on Muhammad Mokaev: ‘Could absolutely be the future face of flyweights’

It appears PFL is interested in potentially signing Muhammad Mokaev after all.

It appears PFL is interested in potentially signing [autotag]Muhammad Mokaev[/autotag] after all.

The UFC opted not to re-sign Mokaev after he fought out his contract with a decision win over Manel Kape at UFC 304 in July. Mokaev was branded as tough to work with, prompting PFL president Ray Sefo to say he’s uninterested in signing Mokaev, who he heard is a “pain in the ass to deal with.”

However, PFL CEO Pete Murray thinks otherwise. PFL doesn’t currently have a flyweight division, but Murray still sees Mokaev as worthy talent to sign.

“I do think the flyweight category is something we will be getting into in the future,” Murray told Sherdog. “I know our guys are looking at it. You look at fighters like Muhammad Mokaev, he’s a 13-0 flyweight from Dagestan. This kid has the second-longest winning streak in UFC flyweight history. He was 23-0 as an amateur. When I look at a kid like that, that’s an opportunity.

“Whether it’s Muhammad coming into the PFL system in one of our franchises, whether that be the global season or Bellator, and others like him, I think it’s a real opportunity – in particular with international talent in the flyweight weight class. Muhammad is the real deal, a lot of respect for him.”

Murray thinks he could build the flyweight division through someone like Mokaev.

“I believe Muhammad Mokaev could absolutely be the future face of flyweights within the Professional Fighters League, should that be a weight class we open up in the Global Season or within our Bellator platform,” Murray said. “It’s absolutely something we’re looking at, and this kid is impressive.”

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Steve Erceg feels bad for Muhammad Mokaev’s UFC departure, but ‘he did it to himself’

Steve Erceg thinks Muhammad Mokaev only has himself to blame for no longer being a UFC fighter.

PERTH, Australia – [autotag]Steve Erceg[/autotag] thinks [autotag]Muhammad Mokaev[/autotag] only has himself to blame for no longer being a UFC fighter.

The UFC opted not to re-sign Mokaev (13-0 MMA, 7-0 UFC) after the 23-year-old completed his contract at UFC 304 in July. Mokaev remained unbeaten when he defeated top contender Manel Kape, but the promotion wasn’t interested in keeping him around.

UFC CEO Dana White explained that matchmakers weren’t happy with Mokaev, with rumors swirling that it was something to do his behavior – not his fighting style. Erceg (12-2 MMA, 3-1 UFC) says Mokaev’s fate is self-inflicted.

“I don’t want to kick a man when he’s down as much as possible,” Erceg said at Wednesday’s UFC 305 media day. “But yeah, he made some decisions, he didn’t make a fan of people I guess. Not the fans, obviously the people in the company. So, I feel bad for what happened to him, but I guess he did it to himself.”

Erceg will look to rebound from his title loss to flyweight champion Alexandre Pantoja when he meets Kai Kara-France (24-11 MMA, 7-4 UFC) in Saturday’s UFC 305 (pay-per-view, ESPN, ESPN+) co-main event at RAC Arena in Perth, Australia.

“He’s a very good fighter,” Erceg said of Kara-France. “He’s super explosive, very good takedown defense, and he hits really hard. So, I definitely have to mind my p’s and q’s, but I just think I’m better at the end of the day. We’re going to find out on Sunday morning.”

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For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 305.

Dana White’s stance on not re-signing Muhammad Mokaev remains same: ‘It is what it is’

Dana White insists that it’s Muhammad Mokaev who shot himself in the foot with UFC brass.

LAS VEGAS – [autotag]Dana White[/autotag] insists that it’s [autotag]Muhammad Mokaev[/autotag] who shot himself in the foot.

The UFC refused to re-sign the undefeated flyweight contender after he defeated Manel Kape at UFC 304 in July. The decision came as a surprise, considering Mokaev (13-0 MMA, 7-0 UFC) is on the cusp of a title shot.

The reason behind the UFC’s decision on Mokaev remains unclear, with White continuing to refer to it as “behind the scenes” issues, not Mokaev’s fighting style. Mokaev and Kape were involved in a heated build-up for their fight, getting into altercations at the UFC Performance Institute, the host hotel during UFC 304 fight week, ceremonial weigh-ins, and even having to be separated during their in-cage introductions.

“It is what it is,” White told MMA Junkie and other reporters Tuesday after Dana White White’s Contender Series 67. “I always say this, that this is an opportunity to be here and to perform in front of the entire world. He’s just a guy that did everything wrong and pissed these guys off. I wasn’t involved in any of the stuff that happened with him.

“But you know, the matchmakers and Hunter (Campbell) were, and they weren’t happy with him. They weren’t happy with the way he acted. They weren’t happy with a lot of things he did and said. I guess you can look back now and regret it, but you did it, and you put yourself in this position.”

Mokaev hinted at a new step already being in place, with a cryptic post on X simply stating “signed.” The 23-year-old hopes he can find his way back to the UFC and realize his dream of becoming champion.

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For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for DWCS 67.

Ray Sefo says PFL not interested in Muhammad Mokaev: ‘Apparently he’s just a pain in the ass to deal with’

Former UFC contender Muhammad Mokaev can cross PFL off his list.

It sounds like [autotag]Muhammad Mokaev[/autotag] can cross PFL off the list.

PFL president Ray Sefo indicated the promotion is not interested in the recently-released Mokaev (12-0), who was promptly released from the UFC after his win at last Saturday’s UFC 304.

“No, actually,” Sefo told reporters at a 2024 PFL Playoffs 1 post-fight news conference Friday (h/t MMA Mania). I’ve spoken to people that are in the know, and apparently, he’s just a pain in the ass to deal with. So no, we’re not interested.”

Mokaev, who turned 24 on Sunday, rose to contender status in the UFC at flyweight, a division PFL does not have as part of its season format, with featherweight the lightest male weight class. Meanwhile, PFL-owned Bellator only goes as light as bantamweight.

After Mokaev built a stellar reputation for his inside the cage abilities as an amateur and early professional, he signed with the UFC in 2022. Mokaev won seven-straight fights in the promotion and established himself as one of the division’s top fighters.

However, his behavior outside the cage would ultimately lead to his UFC exit, as Mokaev’s final months with the promotion included a fight at the UFC Performance Institute and the fighter hotel.

UFC CEO Dana White laid into Moakev after he completed his contract and immediately let reporters know the promotion would not be bringing him back.

“He’s not under contract anymore,” White said. “I think the PFL is going to get a great undefeated guy.”

Since then, the promotion has removed Mokaev from their rankings.

If not the UFC or PFL, where else could Mokaev land?

Asia-based promotions RIZIN and ONE Championship have yet to weigh in on their interest, but both have 125-pound divisions. Rising European promotion OKTAGON also could be a suitor. BKFC often pursues notable names from the MMA space, but Mokaev is predominantly a grappler.

Despite all signs pointing toward the promotion swiftly pushing him out the door, Mokaev recently apologized and indicated he hopes the UFC reconsiders.

“My dream is to become UFC Champion,” Mokaev wrote.

For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for 2024 PFL Playoffs 1.

Muhammad Mokaev apologizes for instigating UFC 304 hotel brawl, pleads to be re-signed

Muhammad Mokaev finds himself in the unenviable position of trying to change UFC CEO Dana White’s mind.

[autotag]Muhammad Mokaev[/autotag] finds himself in the unenviable position of trying to change UFC CEO Dana White’s mind.

Mokaev fought out his UFC contract this past weekend at UFC 304, where he scored a lackluster win over rival Manel Kape. The bout had a lot of heat heading into UFC 304, including a hotel confrontation that got physical, but Mokaev and Kape failed to deliver on fight night.

Afterward, White alluded to “sh*t that happened behind the scenes” with Mokaev over “the past several months” – not his fighting style – as the primary reason why UFC matchmakers “don’t want to re-sign him.”

“I think the PFL is going to get a great undefeated guy,” White said.

Tuesday on X, Mokaev apologized for instigating the hotel brawl between his and Kape’s teams in Manchester.

This is first time I punched outside the cage, it was more personal

He was the one who head butted 5 days before Perez fight when I went to shake his hand in Vegas!
I understand, this is wrong what happen at the hotel and I apologise to the UFC, but there’s some nights I didn’t sleep because someone treated me like that , I never been cheap shot on the streets

I will never let anyone bully me and I never bullied anyone, but whatever happened it happened, I don’t wanna keep going about it but I will take big lesson from it!

Adding to the drama is the fact that Mokaev’s apology came just a couple of hours after his manager, Tim Simpson, responded to an unsubstantiated report that White’s post-UFC 304 announcement was motivated by Simpson negotiating with the PFL while Mokaev was still under contract with the UFC, telling MMA Fighting’s Damon Martin it’s “completely false.”

It put Mokaev in a position to plead for his job publicly.

My dream is to become UFC Champion

I turn them all down because UFC gave me the platform to put my name out there and earn money to feed my family!

btw PFL don’t have flyweight division
All these journalists that make this shit up are idiots!

I hope Dana resigns me, this is my dream to become champion!

Mokaev, 24, signed with the UFC in 2022, as a 5-0 professional and has continued to blossom with seven UFC victories to push his record to 12-0. He defeated Cody Durden, Charles Johnson, Malcolm Gordon, Jafel Filho, Tim Elliott, and Alex Perez prior to UFC 304 as he’s climbed up the rankings at 125 pounds toward a title shot that might never happen if White stays true to his word.

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For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 304.

Manel Kape thought he ‘definitely won’ at UFC 304, says Muhammad Mokaev’s short pull deserved point deduction

Manel Kape reacts to his decision loss to Muhammad Mokaev at Saturday’s UFC 304.

[autotag]Manel Kape[/autotag] is not happy with the officiating of his fight against [autotag]Muhammad Mokaev[/autotag] both from a judging and refereeing standpoint.

Kape (19-7 MMA, 4-3 UFC), a UFC flyweight contender and former Rizin FF champion, lost a close, but lackluster unanimous decision to Mokaev (13-0 MMA, 7-0 UFC) in the preliminary card of Saturday’s UFC 304 in Manchester, England.

It was a fight with little action from both sides, but with a few of fouls from Mokaev’s side, which came by an accidental eye poke and groin strike, and a blatant grab of Kape’s shorts to avoid being pushed off. Neither of which received a point deduction.

Kape was not happy with the work of referee Mike Beltran, but regardless, he thought he did enough to get his hand raised.

“I definitely won this fight, that pull of the shorts deserved to be removed the point, two fingers in the eyes, 3 kicks in balls,” Kape wrote on X. “Anyway, It was not the best performance. I apologize for those who expected the best from me, but only Allah knows. Alhamdulillah for everything.”

Kape saw a four-fight wining streak come to an end with the defeat to Mokaev. His most recent loss in the UFC had come against Brazil’s Matheus Nicolau in 2021.

Many thought the fight could’ve had title implications for the winner, given both fighters’ runs and standing in the division. Instead, he may soon be getting a pink slip from the promotion, despite his unbeaten status.

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For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 304.