Undefeated Flyweight ‘Vows’ UFC Return Despite Bitter Fallout

At least, that’s how the former UFC flyweight appears to see it. Despite the bitter fallout that led to his UFC exit and the lingering frustrations, the undefeated fighter still seems determined to find his way back to the promotion.

Muhammad Mokaev Remains Adamant on His UFC Return

Mokaev (13-0-0, 1NC), to his credit, did exactly what the UFC CEO asked of him. Following his release from the promotion in 2024, the 26-year-old went on a tear, capturing titles in BRAVE CF and ACBJJ while continuing to make his case for another UFC opportunity.

During his time away from the promotion, the Dagestani-born Brit made his frustrations with the UFC known, and he didn't mince his words. Despite remaining in contact with the organization and its executives through a WhatsApp group, Mokaev has claimed that he was released despite a promise from Hunter Campbell. He has even accused the promotion of “wasting two years” of his life.

That said, there have also been reports that Mokaev's release was connected to clashes with Manuel Kape at the UFC 304 fighter hotel and during fight week. Dana White himself previously said Mokaev was “unwelcome” because of his behavior toward UFC staff. There were also rumors that Mokaev’s manager, Tim Simpson, was in talks with the PFL while the fighter was still under contract with the UFC. 

Mokaev, however, has denied those claims. Now, ahead of Saturday's UFC 331 card, Mokaev has dropped a post that essentially sums up his thoughts while giving his followers another indication that he still has his sights set on a UFC comeback.

The UFC BJJ Offer

During his UFC tenure, which began in 2022, “The Punisher” went 7-0, starting with a first-round submission win over Cody Durden. He followed that up with a decision victory over Charles Johnson, but soon learned that his wrestling-heavy approach wasn't exactly winning him many fans within the promotion. So, Mokaev adjusted. He went on to score three straight submission wins before taking his final two UFC fights to the judges’ scorecards.

Following his UFC release, Mokaev revealed that the promotion offered him $10,000 to compete in UFC BJJ against bantamweight champion Mikey Musumeci. However, the money didn't sit well with him, but Mokaev was still willing to take the fight if it came with a UFC contract afterward.

That, however, wasn't what the promotion had in mind. “They said, ‘No, this is different. BJJ is different. This is different. We have other plans.’ I told them where to go,” Mokaev recalled, admitting that his response came with a few expletives.

One That Got Away, but Muhammad Mokaev Has Options

The plot thickens when one considers reigning UFC Flyweight Champion, Joshua Van’s rise. He became the first UFC champion born in the 2000s when he defeated Pantoja in December. Mokaev, at one point, looked like he was the one in place of Van. 

The numbers only add to that argument. Only former UFC champions Demetrious Johnson, with 13, and Pantoja, with eight, have put together longer winning streaks in the division than Mokaev's seven-fight run. That is exactly what motivates Mokaev to stay the course with his UFC aspirations, even if it comes later than he once expected.

"The way I'm going to compete and keep winning, eventually they're going to send me there," he told the BBC. “Back then I said, 'the best fight the best.' But it doesn't matter what happens with the situation, I think I'm the best flyweight in the world and I deserve to fight the best.”

In hindsight, that mindset has also influenced the way the youngster approaches his next career move. Rather than locking himself into a long-term deal, Mokaev has opted to sign one-fight contracts, although he said that he has received more lucrative multi-fight offers after his UFC stint.

For one, PFL has been among those to show interest, offering Mokaev a deal to compete at bantamweight since it does not currently have a men's flyweight division. However, Mokaev says he would be more open to joining the PFL if the promotion introduced a 125-pound division following its merger with Jake Paul's Most Valuable Promotions in July.