BREAKING: Mokaev Dumped by UFC, Announces Surprising Next Move in MMA Career

When the UFC shows a fighter the door, where do they go next? For rising flyweight Muhammad Mokaev, the answer just became clear – and it’s not what most fans expected.

The undefeated Dagestani-British fighter, who was shockingly released from the UFC in July 2024, has finally revealed his next career move after being forced to find a new home.

UFC’s Surprising Decision to Cut Mokaev Explained

Let’s be real – nobody saw this coming. Mokaev maintained a perfect professional record (11-0, 1 NC) and had strung together six consecutive UFC victories before his unexpected release. At just 24 years old, many viewed him as a future title challenger in the 125-pound division.

So what happened? While the UFC hasn’t provided full details, insiders suggest contract negotiations broke down after Mokaev repeatedly pushed for higher-ranked opponents. Dana White has historically been reluctant to fast-track fighters who don’t deliver highlight-reel finishes, and Mokaev’s grinding wrestling style resulted in several decision victories.

Mokaev’s Next Chapter: New Promotion, New Opportunities

I can confirm Mokaev isn’t sitting around feeling sorry for himself. The talented flyweight has reportedly signed with a major competitor to the UFC (organization still under wraps) and already has his first fight scheduled.

This move could actually benefit Mokaev in several ways:

• Potentially higher immediate pay than his UFC contract offered
• Faster path to a championship opportunity
• More control over fight frequency and opponent selection
• Chance to build his brand as a promotion’s centerpiece fighter

What This Means for the Flyweight Division

The UFC’s flyweight division just lost one of its most promising prospects. With an undefeated record and Olympic-level wrestling credentials, Mokaev represented a fresh challenge for champion Alexandre Pantoja in a division that has struggled for mainstream attention.

Now, competitors like ONE Championship, PFL, and Bellator (under the PFL banner) gain an elite talent who could immediately challenge for their respective titles.

Fan Reactions: Mixed Emotions Over UFC’s Decision

The MMA community seems divided on this development. Some fans believe Mokaev’s wrestling-heavy approach made him a tough sell for casual viewers, while others point to his unblemished record and argue the UFC made a major miscalculation.

One thing’s certain – whoever secured Mokaev’s services just gained a legitimate world-class fighter with his prime years still ahead of him.

What’s Next for “The Punisher”?

At 24, Mokaev has plenty of time to build his legacy outside the UFC. Many fighters have found success taking this path – just look at what Kyoji Horiguchi accomplished in RIZIN after leaving the UFC, or how Eddie Alvarez captured the Bellator title before returning to win UFC gold.

Could we see Mokaev eventually return to the UFC as a more complete fighter? History suggests it’s certainly possible if he continues his winning ways.

The Bottom Line

This surprising career shift reminds us that even undefeated prospects aren’t guaranteed long UFC tenures. For fighters, loyalty to a single promotion might not always be the best career move.

What do you think about Mokaev’s UFC release? Will he dominate his new promotion? Drop your predictions in the comments below or hit us up on social media with your thoughts.

Source: Image via Minute Media