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Muhammad Mokaev’s journey in mixed martial arts (MMA) has captivated fans and fighters alike. From his humble beginnings in Dagestan to his fast rise in the UFC, However, his recent departure from the UFC under controversial circumstances has left the MMA world in shock. As he prepares to continue his career with Brave CF, the questions surrounding his future remain as intriguing as ever.
Mokaev made his professional MMA debut in 2020 under the Brave CF banner, quickly establishing himself as a force to be reckoned with. His early performances were characterized by a relentless wrestling-based approach, combined with a growing arsenal of striking techniques. Mokaev's professional record quickly grew to 5-0, catching the attention of the UFC, the premier organization in the sport.
In 2022, at just 22 years old, Mokaev signed with the UFC, making his debut against Cody Durden. The fight ended in a first-round submission victory for Mokaev, who immediately began to draw comparisons to Khabib Nurmagomedov, another Dagestan native who had dominated the lightweight division. Mokaev's mix of wrestling and ground-and-pound was reminiscent of the former lightweight champion, and many believed that Mokaev was destined for similar greatness.
Over the next two years, Mokaev continued to rack up victories in the UFC, maintaining his undefeated record and rapidly climbing the flyweight rankings. He defeated the likes of Charles Johnson, Malcolm Gordon, Jafel Filho, and Tim Elliott, each win solidifying his status as one of the top contenders in the division.
Despite his success inside the octagon, Mokaev’s fighting style began to draw criticism from certain sections of the MMA community. His wrestling-heavy approach, while effective, was not always the most entertaining for fans who craved knockouts and high-octane action. Nonetheless, Mokaev remained focused on his goal of becoming the UFC flyweight champion, and his victories continued to speak for themselves.
As Mokaev prepared for his seventh UFC fight at UFC 304, the stakes were higher than ever. His opponent, Manel Kape, was a former RIZIN Bantamweight champion with a reputation for being a dangerous striker. The lead-up to the fight was marred by a series of altercations between the two fighters, beginning with a heated exchange at the UFC Performance Institute and culminating in a physical confrontation at the ceremonial weigh-ins.
The tension between Mokaev and Kape was palpable as they stepped into the octagon on fight night. However, the bout itself failed to live up to the hype. Mokaev's wrestling dominated the fight, but it was far from the explosive contest that fans had anticipated. The unanimous decision victory extended Mokaev's undefeated record to 13-0, but the lackluster nature of the fight left many disappointed.
It was in the aftermath of UFC 304 that the real shock came. During the post-fight press conference, UFC President Dana White made it clear that Mokaev would not be re-signed by the promotion, despite his undefeated record and rising star status. White alluded to "bad sh*t" happening behind the scenes, citing issues that went beyond Mokaev's performance inside the octagon.
The reasons behind the UFC’s decision not to renew Mokaev’s contract have been the subject of much speculation. While White was careful not to go into specifics during the press conference, multiple reports have since emerged that shed light on the situation.
One of the primary issues appears to have been Mokaev’s behavior outside the cage. According to various sources, including former UFC fighter Steve Erceg, Mokaev had developed a reputation for being difficult to work with. Erceg, who fought on the same card as Mokaev at one point, claimed that Mokaev's treatment of the UFC's nutrition team and other staff was disrespectful, describing him as "entitled" and suggesting that his attitude may have played a role in the UFC's decision.
Another major factor was Mokaev's handling of contract negotiations. Reports suggest that Mokaev and his management team had attempted to use a potential offer from the Professional Fighters League (PFL) as leverage during contract talks with the UFC. This tactic reportedly did not sit well with the UFC’s matchmakers, who felt that Mokaev was attempting to play the two promotions against each other. Dana White’s comment that "the PFL is going to get a great undefeated guy" seemed to confirm that the UFC had lost interest in negotiating with Mokaev.
The final nail in the coffin may have been the incident at the fighter hotel during UFC 304 fight week, where Mokaev allegedly sucker-punched Kape. This altercation, combined with the ongoing animosity between the two fighters, only served to reinforce the perception that Mokaev was a liability outside the octagon.
The decision to part ways with Muhammad Mokaev was met with surprise and disappointment by many in the MMA community. Despite his undefeated record and status as one of the top flyweight contenders, the UFC opted to let Mokaev walk away rather than continue to invest in his career. For Mokaev, the news was a bitter pill to swallow. In a statement released shortly after the announcement, he expressed his desire to remain with the UFC and fulfill his dream of becoming a UFC champion.
"This is the first time I punched outside the cage, it was more personal," Mokaev said, reflecting on the altercation with Kape. "I understand this is wrong and I apologize to the UFC, but there are some nights I didn’t sleep because someone treated me like that. I will never let anyone bully me and I never bullied anyone, but whatever happened, happened. I will take a big lesson from it."
Despite his apology, the UFC's decision was final. Mokaev found himself as a free agent, and with the PFL reportedly losing interest due to the UFC’s negative endorsement, his options appeared limited.
In the weeks following his departure from the UFC, Muhammad Mokaev began exploring his options for continuing his MMA career. After considering several offers, he ultimately decided to return to Brave CF, the promotion where he had first made a name for himself as a professional fighter.
Brave CF, based in Bahrain, welcomed Mokaev back with open arms. The promotion’s president, Mohammad Shahid, issued a statement praising Mokaev as one of the best flyweights in the world and expressing excitement about his return.
"There has been an unjust persecution of his character and attempts to use defamation to feed personal vendettas," Shahid said. "For BRAVE CF to have him back is fantastic, and he now can become a voice for all these challenges."
Mokaev's decision to re-sign with Brave CF was met with mixed reactions. While some fans were pleased to see him continue his career in a familiar environment, others viewed it as a step back from the global stage that the UFC provided. However, for Mokaev, the move represents an opportunity to rebuild his reputation and continue his quest to become a world champion.
As Muhammad Mokaev prepares for his next chapter in Brave CF, the questions surrounding his future remain. At just 24 years old, he still has plenty of time to achieve his dreams, but the road ahead is fraught with challenges.
One of the biggest obstacles Mokaev faces is the difference in competition between the UFC and Brave CF. While Brave CF has produced its share of talented fighters, the level of competition is generally considered to be lower than that of the UFC. For Mokaev, maintaining his undefeated record in Brave CF will be crucial if he hopes to eventually return to the UFC or sign with another major promotion.
Another challenge will be rebuilding his image in the eyes of the MMA community. Mokaev's departure from the UFC was marred by controversy, and his reputation has taken a hit as a result. To regain the trust of fans and promoters alike, Mokaev will need to demonstrate not only his skills inside the cage but also his growth and maturity outside of it.
Despite these challenges, there is reason to believe that Mokaev can still achieve greatness. His talent and work ethic are undeniable, and his determination to succeed remains as strong as ever. If he can learn from the mistakes of the past and continue to evolve as a fighter, there is no reason why Mokaev cannot fulfill his potential and become a world champion.
Muhammad Mokaev's departure from the UFC has left a significant void in the flyweight division. As one of the top contenders, Mokaev was seen as a potential future champion, and his absence will undoubtedly shake up the division's landscape.
The UFC's flyweight division has long been one of the most competitive in the promotion, with a deep roster of talented fighters. Mokaev's exit opens up opportunities for other contenders to rise through the ranks, but it also leaves the division without one of its most promising young stars.
For the UFC, the decision to let Mokaev go was likely a difficult one, but it underscores the importance of maintaining discipline and professionalism in all aspects of a fighter's career. The promotion has shown in the past that it is willing to part ways with even the most talented fighters if they do not adhere to the standards expected by the organization.
The business side of MMA is often as complex as the sport itself, and Muhammad Mokaev's situation highlights the delicate balance that fighters must navigate when dealing with promotions.
The UFC remains the gold standard in MMA, offering fighters the biggest platform and the highest level of competition. However, promotions like PFL and Brave CF provide alternative avenues for fighters who may not fit the UFC's mold or who are looking for different opportunities.
In Mokaev's case, the decision to sign with Brave CF rather than pursuing other options reflects both his loyalty to the promotion that gave him his start and the limited opportunities available to him after his UFC exit. While the UFC's endorsement carries significant weight in the MMA world, Brave CF's willingness to support Mokaev despite the controversies shows that there is still a place for him in the sport.
Muhammad Mokaev's journey in MMA has been a rollercoaster ride, marked by incredible highs and unexpected lows. From his early days as a wrestling prodigy in Dagestan to his rise through the UFC ranks, Mokaev has shown that he has the talent and drive to succeed at the highest level. However, his recent setbacks have served as a reminder that talent alone is not enough; discipline, professionalism, and maturity are equally important.
As Mokaev embarks on this new chapter with Brave CF, the road to redemption lies ahead. The challenges will be significant, but if Mokaev can overcome them, he has the potential to not only rebuild his career but also achieve the greatness that many have predicted for him.
The world of MMA is full of stories of fighters who have fallen from grace only to rise again, stronger and more determined than ever. Muhammad Mokaev’s story is far from over, and as he continues to write the next chapters of his career, fans and fighters alike will be watching closely, eager to see what the future holds for this undefeated prodigy.
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