Tag: Muhammad Mokaev

Steve Erceg goes off on ‘privileged diva’ Muhammad Mokaev, Mokaev responds

Steve Erceg did not mince his words when addressing Muhammad Mokaev.

[autotag]Steve Erceg[/autotag] did not mince his words when addressing [autotag]Muhammad Mokaev[/autotag].

The UFC opted not to re-sign Mokaev (13-0 MMA, 7-0 UFC) after the 24-year-old completed his contract with a win over Manel Kape UFC 304 in July. During fight week, Mokaev was involved in an altercation with Kape.

When asked about Mokaev’s surprise UFC departure last August, former title challenger Erceg (12-4 MMA, 3-3 UFC) said he did it to himself. It’s safe to say that almost a year later, Erceg is still not a fan of Mokaev.

“I was shocked that he got cut,” Erceg said on “The Ariel Helwani Show.” “Obviously being undefeated, you think that’s enough to stay in the UFC, but yeah, I don’t know. I didn’t like the way he interacted with people around him, and he’s messaged me since. I’m thinking more and more that he’s a massive knob, so I don’t care. He seemed like a privileged diva, I guess. Like, ‘Everything has to be done the way I want it. I don’t care if that’s not how it’s done.’ It was surprising because you would think somebody that grew up the way he grew up would be a little bit more humble.

“He seemed like, ‘I’m the guy you work around,’ I don’t know, he just seemed like a douche. He said I was a liar. … After I got knocked out, obviously, he messaged me and asked me if I woke up. Good on him, what a nice guy. Another thing, who gets into a street fight with somebody, but starts it like, ‘Oh, let’s squash the beef, let’s take a photo,’ then king hits him? That’s like the most dog thing I’ve ever heard in my life. What he did to Kape was disgraceful. If you’re going to do it, who cares, but go face-to-face. Do it like a man. It was disgusting. I’d love to slap him around.”

Erceg was knocked out by Kai Kara-France in his past outing at UFC 305, which Mokaev took the opportunity to revel in. Mokaev responded to Erceg’s recent digs at him.

“I won’t say much but Karma will get you for all those lies You already got KO’d, hope Moreno will KO you too Btw when he fought against Mat Schnell I came to you and said all the best to you, when you fought for the belt I tweeted 2-3 times and wish you the best but when I got cut you started lying about me to get attention. Bum!”

Erceg will look to rebound when he takes on former flyweight champion Brandon Moreno (23-8-2 MMA, 11-4-2 UFC) in Saturday’s UFC on ESPN 64 (ESPN2, ESPN+) headliner at Arena CDMX in Mexico City.

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For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC on ESPN 64.

Muhammad Mokaev runs through first opponent since UFC departure

Muhammad Mokaev was a top UFC contender until he was unceremoniously released earlier this year.

[autotag]Muhammad Mokaev[/autotag] was a top UFC contender when he was unceremoniously axed from the promotion – and he looked every bit of that in his first fight since.

At BRAVE CF 91 on Friday, Mokaev (13-0) made quick work of short-notice replacement [autotag]Joevincent So[/autotag] (10-6) with a submission in under two minutes’ time. The event took place at Khalifa Sports City Arena in Isa Town, Bahrain.

Mokaev, 24, remains unbeaten as an MMA fighter with 13 professional wins and 23 amateur wins. He went 7-0 in the UFC from March 2022 to July 2024 before the promotion decided to move on from Mokaev.

The move by the UFC to part ways with Mokaev was a rare one. UFC CEO Dana White did not mention specifics, but indicated the decision was due to behind-the-scenes issues between Mokaev and members of the UFC staff.

Mokaev has since indicated he hopes to rejoin the promotion, though the UFC has not yet displayed fresh interest.

Alexandre Pantoja comments on ‘very talented’ Muhammad Mokaev’s UFC release

UFC flyweight champion Alexandre Pantoja sent Muhammad Mokaev some encouraging words.

LAS VEGAS – UFC flyweight champion [autotag]Alexandre Pantoja[/autotag] sent [autotag]Muhammad Mokaev[/autotag] some encouraging words.

Undefeated contender Mokaev (13-0) was on the cusp of a title shot after defeating Manel Kape at UFC 304 in July, but instead, was surprisingly not re-signed by the UFC.

Mokaev and the UFC parting ways took many by surprise, especially with Pantoja (28-5 MMA, 12-3 UFC) having already cleared out the majority of the contenders in his division. Pantoja was asked his thoughts on Mokaev’s release, and the champion thinks we could be seeing him in the octagon again.

“I think Mokaev is very talented,” Pantoja told MMA Junkie and other reporters at Wednesday’s UFC 310 media day. “He’s very young. He has a dream. He has a wish to try to be the youngest UFC champ.

“I think he has an opportunity to get back to the UFC. He’s a very good talent, and of course he’s someone that can show the UFC he’s a very good fighter, and he has a chance to fight for the belt.”

Pantoja’s next title defense comes against newcomer Kai Asakura (21-4 MMA, 0-0 UFC) in Saturday’s UFC 310 (pay-per-view, ESPN2, ESPN+) main event at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Mokaev gave his breakdown on the title fight.

“If the fight goes to the decision, I think Pantoja is going to win,” Mokaev told MMA Junkie. “But if it’s a finish, if it comes to striking, I think Kai Asakura has a better chance, whereas Pantoja has a better ground game. For me, it depends where the fight will go – but I think Pantoja will beat him.”

Mokaev booked his first fight after parting ways with the UFC. He takes on former EFC champion Luthando Biko (12-3) in a flyweight bout Dec. 13 at Khalifa Sports City in Bahrain.

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For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 310.

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.