New details emerge on Dana White firing Muhammed Mokaev from UFC after Manel Cape win

The whole drama surrounding the recently released Muhammed Mokayev is quite interesting, to say the least. Prior to UFC 304, Mokaev was one of the top prospects in the flyweight division riding an active seven-fight win streak. Manel Cape, the No. 8 ranked fighter in the division, was his final opponent in the UFC.

Bad blood between both fighters created a lot of unnecessary drama earlier in the night. However, after officially announcing Mokaev’s release during the post-event press conference, Dana White revealed that they released him because the matchmakers weren’t a big fan of his fighting style. But new information reveals that Mokaev also had a failed attempt of late involving the PFL to entice the UFC to renew his contract.

Muhammed Mokaev wanted to use the PFL’s offer to re-sign with the UFC

Ben Davis, play-by-play commentator for UFC Fight Pass, revealed some facts about Muhammad Mokayev’s amusing attempt to renew his contract. Davis claimed that Mokaev only contacted the PFL to get a number, which he would use to get a bigger contract from the UFC.

Great scoop from my man Ben, here.

So, it seems like Muhammad Mokayev’s management was contacting the PFL while the UFC was under contract, trying to negotiate a better deal with the UFC regardless of the PFL’s numbers.

This led them to renew Mokayev’s contract. https://t.co/vVBF5e7inm pic.twitter.com/qSsvoXpo01

— Al Julino (@phre) July 29, 2024

So if fans were wondering why Dana White sarcastically said the PFL would get an undefeated young fighter, it was because of Mokaev’s stupid effort. Fortunately, Mokaev ended his contract with a win despite a highly controversial decision by the judges at UFC 304. Cape also claimed that Mokaev should have lost considering the foul play he had during the fight that angered referee Mike Beltran. .

“Insiders” warned that Muhammed Mokayev’s style is not a problem

There were many things that conspired leading up to and during UFC 304. Manel and Muhammad’s beef could be another reason why the UFC decided to let go of the 24-year-old prospect. TUF 30 finalist Jack Pauga also emphasized, “Just know that releasing Mokaev had nothing to do with his fighting style, that he has all these accolades and they’re willing to let him walk should tell you something.”

Like I said I’m tired of being an “inside guy”. Just know Mokaev getting released had nothing to do with his fighting style, he has all these accolades and them being willing to let him walk should tell you something https://t.co/wb9ChAKMBh

— Zac Pauga (@ZacPauga) July 29, 2024

Mokaev lashed out at Beltran on social media after he called the veteran referee a “juice head”. The former UFC star felt that Beltran should not have pushed him against the cage before the fight and after Cape nearly attacked him inside the Octagon. Regardless, Mokaev has a bright future ahead of him as he has been a strong title prospect in the UFC.