Muhammad Mokaev, a former UFC flyweight contender, recently fought on the UFC 304 prelims. Known as ‘The Punisher,’ Mokaev was back in the cage for the first time since defeating Alex Perez in March. His latest fight was against Manel Kape, with whom he had a heated rivalry, including verbal exchanges and a physical altercation during fight week.
Despite the intense buildup, the bout itself was uneventful, with Mokaev outgrappling Kape to secure a unanimous decision victory, maintaining his perfect 13-0 record. Mokaev hoped this win would earn him a title shot, but instead, UFC president Dana White announced at the post-fight press conference that the organization had cut ties with him.
Speculation about the reasons behind Mokaev’s release quickly emerged. Reports suggested that Mokaev had reached out to the Professional Fighters League (PFL) to explore potential deals.
However, Mokaev took to social media to deny these rumors, asserting that he had not contacted the PFL and pointing out that the PFL does not even have a flyweight division. He expressed frustration with the false reports and reiterated his commitment to the UFC, hoping for a chance to be re-signed by the organization.
In his social media posts, Mokaev emphasized his dream of becoming a UFC champion and his gratitude to the UFC for the platform it provided him. He dismissed the rumors about his talks with the PFL as baseless and criticized journalists for spreading misinformation. Mokaev’s public stance suggests a strong desire to continue his career with the UFC despite the recent setback.
Dana White’s comments at the post-fight press conference indicated that Mokaev’s release was influenced by issues outside the cage. This revelation adds a layer of complexity to Mokaev’s situation, making his return to the UFC uncertain.
Despite his impressive performance against Kape and his appeal for support on social media, the likelihood of him being re-signed by the UFC appears slim.
Moving forward, Mokaev will need to explore other opportunities within the MMA landscape. While his immediate future with the UFC seems doubtful, his determination and skill set make him a valuable asset for any organization.
Mokaev’s denial of PFL talks and his public appeal to the UFC underscore his commitment to his career goals, leaving his fans hopeful for a resolution that allows him to continue competing at the highest level.
