The UFC has decided to part ways with undefeated flyweight Muhammad Mokaev following his less-than-thrilling win over Manel Kape at UFC 304 and several out-of-the-Octagon incidents. Dana White, the president of the UFC, offered Mokaev to the PFL but it seems that the PFL is also not interested in signing him. PFL President Ray Sefo stated that they are not interested in Mokaev as they have heard he is difficult to deal with. Despite Mokaev implying that he had received offers from the PFL that he did not accept, it seems his future in the major promotions is uncertain at this time.
Mokaev had multiple brawls with Kape, including a controversial sucker punch of the flyweight contender after baiting him to take a photograph. The fight with Kape at UFC 304 was the final fight on Mokaev’s contract, leading to the UFC quickly severing ties with him. Despite being undefeated and being a potential challenger for the title at 125 pounds, Mokaev’s behavior outside the Octagon may have led to his unexpected departure from the UFC. The promotion may have been concerned about his fighting style being boring and difficulties in dealing with him on a business level, which could have complicated the division’s landscape if he became champion.
The flyweight division in the UFC has had challenges in establishing a draw, especially since the departure of Demetrious “Mighty Mouse” Johnson to ONE Championship. Johnson, one of the greatest fighters in the division’s history, was traded by the UFC for Ben Askren, showing that no fighter is indispensable. This may have influenced the decision to let Mokaev go, as the division needs marketable and easy-to-work-with fighters in order to maintain fan interest and promotion success. Mokaev’s departure from the UFC has opened up opportunities for other flyweights like Tatsuro Taira, Steve Erceg, and Tagir Ulanbekov to potentially rise in the rankings and contend for the title.
Despite his exit from the promotion, Mokaev still has the opportunity to compete in other organizations and rebuild his brand, with the potential to return to the UFC in the future. Being young, Mokaev has time for a transition and could potentially make a comeback to the major leagues. The development of other stars in the flyweight division, such as Taira, Erceg, and Ulanbekov, could inject new life into the weight class and generate renewed interest from fans and media. Mokaev’s departure may have been a tough lesson for him, but it could also be a chance for him to reassess his approach and make a comeback stronger and more focused on his career and conduct.
Overall, the UFC’s decision to part ways with Muhammad Mokaev highlights the importance of not only performance inside the Octagon but also behavior outside of it in the world of professional MMA. The competitive nature of the sport demands discipline, professionalism, and marketability from its fighters, and those who fail to meet these expectations risk losing their place in the top promotions. Mokaev’s situation serves as a reminder to young fighters that success in MMA requires more than just skill in fighting, but also integrity, respect, and cooperation both in and out of the arena. As the flyweight division moves forward with new contenders stepping up, it will be interesting to see how Mokaev’s career unfolds and whether he can overcome this setback to achieve success in the future.
