Undefeated UFC flyweight Muhammad Mokaev has pleaded with the UFC after his contract was not renewed following his UFC 304 win over Manel Kape.
Dagestan-born, Wigan-raised prospect Muhammad “The Punisher” Mokaev was taking the Flyweight division by storm. Just 23 years old with a record of 13-0-0 [2KO – 6SUB – 5DEC] it was a shock when UFC president Dana White announced Mokaev’s contract would not be renewed.
The initial assumption was his contract was not renewed due to the many altercations between Muhammad and Manel. Before their sanctioned UFC 304 bout Mokaev and Kape got into a fight at the fighter hotel which descended into chaos.
In the words of White, “There was so much bad s*** that happened behind the scenes.” Although the first round was slow the two picked up the pace as the rounds went by.
Muhammad abandoned his typical wrestle-heavy style to stand and trade with Kape. Ultimately he outstruck the Portugese Kape to win by decision.
Whilst rumours circled that “The Punisher” was cut due to his typical wrestling style, White quickly shot down the claims. He stated, “it’s a lot more than just that”.
When asked whether the company would resign Muhammad, Dana jokily remarked:
“I think the PFL are gonna get a great undefeated guy. Good luck to him.”
Reports have since come out that Mokaev may have been cut due to his attitude and with the UFC bosses. More rumours circulated that Muhammad was in talks with the PFL whilst under contract with the UFC.
This may have explained Dana’s statement. True or False to see a rising prospect on the verge of a title shot cut doesn’t sit right.
With his relationship seemingly tarnished with the UFC Mokaev took an interview this week in the hoping to clear the air.
Muhammad Mokaev Makes Shocking Offer to the UFC
In the interview, Muhammad Mokaev cleared up several rumours. One of which is the rumours of him double-crossing the UFC with PFL contract negotiations.
He told MMA Junkie:
“Between Dana, there’s been a misunderstanding. I don’t know where he got this PFL talks … I think someone does something behind my back.” He continued: “I don’t even see competition between the PFL and UFC. The UFC is the best organization in the world, and I never spoke to the PFL. They don’t even have a flyweight [division], so I don’t understand. Even at the post-fight interview, I asked for a new contract because I want to fight the best in the world.”
Furthermore, in what came as a shock to all Muhammad Mokaev made a unique offer to the UFC:
“I said to Hunter Campbell, whatever I’ve done, I’m ready to pay for that and fight my next fight in the UFC for free. Whatever trouble I make, I think it’s unprofessional… I think I’ve taken a big lesson. I want to come back to UFC and hopefully I will be back.”
Visibly apologetic and desperate to be resigned Mokaev has his heart set on the UFC. Offering to fight for free is something few would ever think of.
Whatever has occurred behind the scenes may be too much to be mended. The UFC notoriously are not fond of second chances, even with the offer of fighting for free.
Muhammad Mokaev and fans alike will be hoping the UFC give him a second chance.
Featured image credits to Embed from Getty Images
