UFC CEO Dana White, known for his strict business ethics, will do whatever is necessary to protect the promotion’s reputation. This includes difficult decisions such as letting go of undefeated fighters like Muhammad Mokaev (13-1-0). Mokaev, who recently secured a win against Manel Kape, was released from the UFC after his current contract expired. White chose not to extend the contract with the undefeated fighter.

Dana White’s decision to cut Muhammad Mokaev has sparked controversy in the MMA world, with many accusing him of favoring striking-focused fighters. UFC commentator Joe Rogan, a close friend of White’s discussed the situation during the UFC 305 JRE Fight Companion alongside Brendan Schaub, Tony Hinchliffe, and Brian Simpson. While reviewing the flyweight division, starting with Steve Erceg and transitioning to Mokaev, Rogan noted, “That dude is super difficult—so difficult. He f**king undefeated, 21-0, and tough as sh*t. Remember when he got leg-locked and didn’t tap? His knee bar was horrific. I thought he might ruin his career.”

The underlying reason for Dana White’s decision to release Muhammad Mokaev appears to be related to the fighter’s behavior outside the octagon. A pre-fight altercation with Manel Kape in a hotel lobby, involving a sucker punch, was witnessed by renowned MMA coach Eric Nicksick and publically disclosed. The incident, coupled with previous rumors of a fight between the outside of the UFC Performance Institute, which Mokaev denied, ultimately led to White’s decision to cut ties with the fighter, who now shows no signs of backing down.

Dana White on re-signing Muhammad Mokaev again

Muhammad Mokaev has been unable to rejoin the UFC, despite his efforts. While he claimed to have received offers from other major promotions like the PFL, a PFL representative denied this, accusing Mokaev of lying. UFC CEO Dana White, on the other hand, has been steadfast in his decision, even offering reasons for cutting ties with Mokaev.

During a press conference at Dana White’s Contender Series last Tuesday, White was questioned about Muhammad Mokaev’s departure from the UFC. White distanced himself from the decision, stating, “It is what it is… 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 p*ssed these guys off. I wasn’t involved with any of the stuff that happened with him, but the matchmakers and Hunter [Campbell] were, and they weren’t happy with him.”

With Dana White firmly shutting the door on Mokaev’s return to the UFC, his next move remains unclear. Mokaev previously boasted on Twitter of turning down offers from other MMA promotions, insisting his sole focus was on the UFC. He vowed to find a way back, but that path now seems full of roadblocks. The future holds uncertainty for Mokaev’s career. But we want to know your thoughts on the whole ordeal!