The UFC’s decision to not re-sign Muhammad Mokaev has completely split the fanbase, but Conor McGregor has backed the promotion’s decision with a hard-hitting four-word statement.
Despite being on an impressive seven-fight win streak and holding big wins over top names in the flyweight division, the UFC decided to cut ties with Muhammad Mokaev following UFC 304 this past Saturday.
Tensions between Mokaev and Manel Kape have been extremely high for the past few months with the two having clashed at the UFC PI before Mokaev’s fight against Alex Perez.
Things were no different on fight week as the 24-year-old admitted to sucker punching ‘Starboy’ at the UFC fighter hotel, a few days out from their fight.
Conor McGregor issues four-word statement following Muhammad Mokaev’s removal
At the UFC 304 post-fight press conference, ‘The Punisher’ told the media that he was told by someone from the UFC to ‘stop shooting takedowns’ and so he came out with a striking heavy gameplan, hoping to ensure a new contract.
Despite that, UFC CEO Dana White shockingly announced during his time with the media, that they would not be re-signing the 24-year-old, and ‘the PFL are probably going to get a great undefeated guy’.
Having made the admission, White claimed that the reason isn’t because of his wrestling heavy fight style – like Mokaev claimed – but because he is a handful to deal with outside of the cage, according to the matchmakers.
Fans aren’t quite buying the boss’ claims, though, as Mokaev is regarded as one of the most promising prospects in the sport, and outside-of-the-cage antics happen regularly and normally just get brushed under the carpet.
White’s issue is seemingly with the flyweight division, which has historically been the case, however, it still doesn’t quite add up.
This is first time I punched outside the cage, it was more personal
He was the one who head butted 5 days before Perez fight when I went to shake his hand in Vegas! I understand, this is wrong what happen at the hotel and I apologise to the UFC, but there’s some nights I…
Former two-weight world champion, Conor McGregor, has backed the promotion’s decision to let Mokaev go, though, releasing a stark four-word statement.
“They can have him,” McGregor commented on a video of White stating the PFL can sign Mokaev.
Although White is adamant ‘The Punisher’ will sign with the PFL, they don’t have a 125lb or 135lb division, and rumors that he has discussed a contract with the promotion are false.
Muhammad Mokaev pleads for a new UFC contract despite rankings removal
The 24-year-old’s UFC removal was made official on Monday when the rankings updated, and media members were sent out a press release opting them not to vote Mokaev into the 125lb rankings because he wasn’t going to be re-signed.
That hasn’t stopped the Dagestani from pleading for a new contract though as he believes there is still a chance to fulfill his ultimate goal of becoming a UFC champion.
“My dream is to become UFC champion. I turn them all down because UFC gave me the platform to put my name out there and earn money to feed my family! I hope Dana re-signs me, this is my dream to become champion!” Mokaev tweeted on X.
The 24-year-old also said: “4-0 against ranked opponents, 37 fight winning streak! Never picked a fight, never missed weight, never pulled out from a fight. I will be back sooner than you think! Thank you UFC for letting me compete against the best in the world on the biggest MMA platform.”
