Muhammad Mokaev experienced the harsh reality of being on the bad side of the UFC matchmakers. Even though he rose victorious against Manel Kape at UFC 304, he wasn’t allowed to have his contract with the UFC renewed. Dana White simply let the undefeated Dagestani fighter go and hinted at him to try his luck at PFL.

But with Mokaev pleading to the officials to take him back, the fighting community seemingly wanted White to take him back. However, White revealed that it would never happen at the UFC 305 press conference.

Dana White denies Muhammad Mokaev’s entry into the UFC

Right after White fired Mokaev at UFC 304 post-fight press conference, the Dagestani fighter began begging White to take him back. He even agreed to fight without payment. At the UFC 305 press conference, one of the reporters brought Mokaev’s plea to White’s notice. But White was adamant with his decision.

The UFC head honcho claimed that no fighter would ever wish to fight without pay. He claimed that even though netizens complained about the low fighter pay in the MMA promotion, no fighter would be made to compete for free. So why did Mokaev have to leave the premises of the UFC? Well, it was because he got on the wrong side of the matchmakers.

White said, “I always say this, this is an opportunity to be here and to perform in front of the entire world. And you know, he’s just a guy that did everything wrong and p***ed these guys off. I wasn’t involved in any of the stuff that happened with him, but, you know, 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 things he did and said, you know.”

White didn’t step back to say that it was a bit too late for Mokaev. He indeed brought it upon himself, no matter how much he regrets doing all the stuff that he did. But getting fired from the UFC was not going to stop the Dagestani. He has got himself signed into another fight promotion.

Mokaev gets signed to another MMA promotion

Weeks after pleading with the UFC for a contract renewal, Muhammad Mokaev has finally entered another arena. On the 12th of August 2024, the undefeated mixed martial artist sent forth a cryptic one-word tweet for the fight fans. He wrote, “Signed” with a pencil scribbling on paper emoji.

However, Mokaev didn’t reveal the exact promotion which would feature him as a contender. White previously pointed out that the PFL will be lucky enough to receive a great undefeated fighter. The question remains if it’s actually PFL that took him in. With numerous MMA promotions and an undefeated professional record, Mokaev will surely continue to display his phenomenal fighting skills under one banner or the other.

What are your thoughts on White’s decision regarding Mokaev’s contract? Let us know what you think in the comments down below.