via Imago
Via Imago
via Imago
Via Imago
It has been months since UFC head honcho Dana White announced the release of undefeated Dagestani prospect Muhammad Mokaev from the promotion, even after he achieved his seventh consecutive victory at the historic UFC 304 in Manchester, defeating Manal Kape in a grueling three-round battle. Now, months later, White’s inevitable actions still stand, as ‘The Punisher’ has tried every avenue to bounce back and get signed again by Dana White.
White remains steadfast, claiming, “It is what it is.” He even affirmed that his decision was final during Dana White’s Contender Series back in August. Repeatedly, Mokaev has sparked rumors about a potential return to the UFC, and this time, he addressed the sentiment while speaking to Vestnik MMA on YouTube.
When the host asked the anticipated question regarding the rumors of his return, “What do the managers say to you? How real is the return? Everyone wanted to see you in the UFC, then there was such a situation, and now they do not understand your status at all.” ‘The Punisher’ opened up about his recent conversation with the UFC’s chief business officer.
He stated, “You know how I talked to Hunter? You know who Hunter is? Yes. A couple of days after the announcement that I was not extended the contract.” Muhammad Mokaev further revealed the condition set for him to re-sign with the UFC, saying, “He told me that I just need to spend 1–2 fights outside the organization, and we will re-subscribe you. As far as I know, we will wait.”
Former UFC flyweight Muhammad Mokaev says in an interview with @VestnikMMA that Hunter Campbell told him that with one, two fights outside the UFC, they will sign him again.
(Sorry if there are any mistakes. Subtitles are automatically generated by YouCut app.) pic.twitter.com/VKB6Naunf6
— Al Zullino (@phre) November 1, 2024
Dagestani sensation Muhammad Mokaev has made a name for himself during his short two-year run in the promotion, but his latest controversial incident—a “sucker punch” thrown at his opponent Manal Kape in the Manchester hotel lobby just a couple of days before the promotion’s event—has fueled rumors that Dana White and the UFC would cut ties with him. Despite all this, Dana White has denied any connection to Mokaev’s firing from the promotion, stating he has nothing to do with it.
Who Made the Decision to Cut Muhammad Mokaev If It Wasn’t Dana White?
UFC head honcho Dana White is known for his commitment to supporting his fighters, but does he do so at the cost of the promotion’s goodwill? A big ‘no.’ More than that, he prioritizes the UFC, which he has transformed into a billion-dollar promotion. So, how could he allow the image of this promotion to be destroyed by anyone, even a Dagestani?
White is not ready to accept that he is the mastermind behind Muhammad Mokaev‘s non-resignation. While speaking to MMA Junkie, White placed the blame on the promotion’s matchmakers. He stated, “I wasn’t involved in any of the stuff that happened with him. The matchmakers and Hunter 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 the things he did and said. I guess you can look back now and regret it, but you did it. You did it, and you put yourself in this position.”
What are your thoughts on Muhammad Mokaev’s claims? Do you believe that UFC head honcho Dana White will reinstate him in the promotion, given his apparent reluctance to reconsider his decision? Drop your opinion below.
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Is Dana White protecting the UFC's image at the cost of losing a rising star like Mokaev?