Despite being undefeated as a professional mixed martial artist, Muhammad Mokaev couldn’t secure a renewal of his UFC contract at UFC 304. While many believed that it was all because of the trouble he caused in public while trying to build intrigue and sell his fight against Manel Kape, a few others claimed that it was because the flyweight contender often failed to entertain the crowd. Well, Dana White has already given his verdict regarding the return of Mokaev to UFC. But the Dagestani’s presence at PowerSlap 11 made a few fans wonder about the undefeated fighter’s return.
During the press conference for PowerSlap 11, a reporter pointed out that Mokaev was actually in attendance at the event. After all, he was an avid fan of the slap fighting. The reporter asked White if he had any interaction with the Dagestani fighter. And then he asked if there was any chance for ‘The Punisher’ to make a comeback to the UFC.
First of all, he was oblivious to the fact that ‘The Punisher’ attended PowerSlap 11. No wonder White didn’t see or talk to him. And as far as his return was concerned, the UFC head honcho seemed adamant on his take. That decision lay with Mick Maynard, Sean Shelby, and Hunter Campbell. White said, “Listen, I thought I made it pretty clear. Sean, Hunter, and Mick did not like working with him. And they did not want to re-sign him. He is a free agent. I mean, he could be a world champion somewhere else. And maybe they will like him better than Sean, Mick, and Hunter do.”
Dana White is asked about Muhammad Mokaev. pic.twitter.com/nPvgGo34fV
— Jed I. Goodman © (@jedigoodman) January 30, 2025
With the matchmakers already standing against the undefeated Dagestani mixed martial artist, there was absolutely no chance for Mokaev to return. But is it just because Campbell, Shelby, and Maynard didn’t like him? Was there any other reason? Let’s see what the UFC head honcho had to say about it back in 2024.
Dana White can’t help Muhammad Mokaev with a contract renewal
While the MMA realm began scrutinizing the UFC’s decision to drop Mokaev, some people seemed to believe that the MMA promotion had released him. But Dana White clarified, “He was not released he just was not re-signed. His contract expired and there were a lot of issues with him behind the scenes. And not some behind-the-scenes.” However, the UFC boss claimed that he had no beef with the Dagestani whatsoever.
White further clarified that it wasn’t simply because of the consistent takedowns, and wished Mokaev the best. He even pointed out that the PFL might get lucky to get a great, undefeated fighter. Now, Mokaev has entered the roster for BRAVE FC after literally begging for the UFC big guns to reconsider their decision. And that was indeed one of the best decisions the Dagestani made.
Later on, Mokaev quoted, “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.” Well, he did claim that he had become the highest-paid flyweight fighter in the world without even owning a championship belt. And that’s quite an achievement, don’t you agree?
But do you think that the UFC should reconsider and give Mokaev another chance to prove himself in the Octagon? Let us know what you think in the comments down below.
The post Death Blow for Muhammad Mokaev’s UFC Career as Dana White Closes Door for Return appeared first on EssentiallySports.
