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UFC Uncertainty for Muhammad Mokaev as Dana White Suggests PFL Move

Serene Morgan

Photo: IMAGO

Muhammad Mokaev Faces Uncertain Future Despite Title Eliminator Victory

In a surprising twist for the UFC’s flyweight division, Muhammad Mokaev’s future with the promotion is now in question following his victory in a title eliminator bout at UFC 304. The undefeated Dagestani grappler, who boasts an impressive record of 13-0, faced Manel Kape in a contest meant to determine the next challenger for Alexandre Pantoja’s title. However, despite this significant win, Mokaev’s tenure with the UFC appears to be in jeopardy.

Contract Uncertainty and Dana White’s Comments

Muhammad Mokaev’s potential departure from the UFC was hinted at by Dana White, who confirmed that the fighter is no longer under contract with the organisation. White suggested that Mokaev might be a prime candidate for the Professional Fighters League (PFL), indicating that the UFC might be moving away from grappling-heavy fighters. “The matchmakers aren’t big fans of his for many different reasons and not just takedowns… It’s a lot more than just that. He is not under contract anymore, I think the PFL is going to get a great, undefeated guy. Good luck to him,” White stated.

Mokaev’s contract situation has raised eyebrows within the MMA community, particularly given the timing of his potential exit. The fighter had expressed concerns about his UFC career even before stepping into the octagon for the bout against Kape. Following the event, these concerns were validated by White’s remarks.

The UFC’s Reluctance Towards Grappling Styles

In the lead-up to UFC 304, Mokaev had revealed that his bout had been downgraded to the Fight Pass Prelims despite its importance in the title picture. He also disclosed being cautioned about his grappling-heavy approach. “They said they’re going to see how I perform. They don’t want to see me keep shooting and taking somebody down but I’ve done what I could do with, like, tonight. They don’t like this,” Mokaev explained.

This reluctance from the UFC to fully embrace Mokaev’s style seems to reflect a broader trend within the promotion. Dana White denied that the UFC’s disinterest was specifically due to grappling, but Mokaev’s struggles with the organisation might be indicative of a preference for more striking-focused fighters.

Despite these challenges, Mokaev remains optimistic about his career prospects. “They tried to get rid of flyweights before and they don’t want this kind of fight. But, listen, I’m young, I’m still not in my prime and if they want me to stand and bang, toe-to-toe with these 30-year-old grown men I have to do what’s best for me to win,” he asserted.

Performance and Fight Dynamics at UFC 304

The bout between Mokaev and Kape was marked by significant pre-fight tension, including a heated face-off and an alleged altercation in America. Despite the build-up, the fight itself proved lacklustre. Both fighters displayed caution, with Kape suffering a broken toe in the second round, which further dampened the bout’s excitement. Mokaev’s performance included some controversial moments, such as a pull on Kape’s shorts and an eye poke, both of which went unpenalised.

Although Mokaev secured a decision victory, the fight did little to enhance his standing with UFC officials. The lack of decisive, crowd-pleasing moments in his performance might have contributed to the UFC’s decision not to renew his contract.

PFL’s Opportunity and UFC’s Shift

As the UFC seems to close its chapter with Mokaev, the PFL could potentially benefit from this shift. Dana White’s comments signal a clear end to Mokaev’s tenure with the UFC, potentially paving the way for the PFL to secure a highly skilled and undefeated talent. This development marks a notable shift in the dynamics of the flyweight division, with Mokaev’s future now looking poised for a new beginning.

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