In a recent turn of events, UFC CEO Dana White announced the release of undefeated flyweight Muhammad Mokaev following his victory over Manel Kape at UFC 304.
Despite maintaining an unblemished record within the promotion, Mokaev’s fighting style, which heavily relies on grappling and takedowns, appeared to have fallen out of favor with UFC matchmakers.
White revealed that the decision was influenced by the matchmakers’ dissatisfaction with Mokaev’s style, stating:
“I am sure one of the match makers probably said something to him or whatever. But ya the match makers aren’t a big fan of his for many different reasons.”
The news quickly spread through the MMA community, with former two-division champion Conor McGregor adding his voice to the conversation.
Seemingly agreeing with White’s decision, ‘The Notorious’ commented in a post by TheMacLife:
“They can have him”
Check out Conor McGregor’s comment below:
Conor McGregor comments on the situation surrounding Muhammad Mokaev and the UFC.
Muhammad Mokaev reveals UFC pressured him to change his fighting style
Muhammad Mokaev has revealed that the promotion pressured him to alter his wrestling-heavy fighting style ahead of his UFC 304 bout against Manel Kape. The 23-year-old, known for his dominant grappling, admitted that the UFC had expressed dissatisfaction with his approach and implied that his contract renewal might hinge on a change in strategy.
Ahead of his UFC 304 bout against Manel Kape, Mokaev explained:
“They said they’re gonna see how I perform, they don’t want me to keep shooting and taking people down.”
Muhammad Mokaev on UFC: "They said they're gonna see how I perform, they don't want me to keep shooting and taking people down." pic.twitter.com/k1zYTa7s9o
In an attempt to comply with the UFC’s demands, Mokaev showcased a more striking-oriented style in his fight against Kape. However, the outcome of the contest, which saw Mokaev secure a decision victory, did not prevent the UFC from releasing him from his contract shortly after.
In his post-fight interview, ‘The Punisher’ said:
“I tried to put striking together first time in my career. I was standing in my 3 rounds with the best flyweight striker.”
With his future uncertain, Mokaev expressed his desire to remain in the UFC and pursue a title shot.
Check out Muhammad Mokaev’s comment below:
Muhammad Mokaev hopes the UFC brings him back. #UFC304
Note: This was prior to UFC CEO Dana White's post-fight scrum.
