UFC makes puzzling decision about undefeated prospect’s future

Muhammad Mokaev is an undefeated 23-year-old flyweight prospect who has yet to lose in seven UFC fights.

Yet, after his unanimous decision victory over Manel Kape at UFC 304 over the weekend, UFC president Dana White told reporters that Mokaev, who’s now a free agent won’t be re-signed.

The company even went as far as sending an email to those who vote on the UFC divisional rankings informing them that Mokaev is no longer eligible to receive votes despite holding the No. 6 ranking in the flyweight division heading into his bout with Kape.

“He’s not under contract anymore,” White told reporters after UFC 304. “I think the PFL is going to get a great undefeated guy. … The stuff that played out here of the past several months (outside-the-cage issues) and other stories of this breaking out, plus many other things. [UFC matchmakers] don’t want to re-sign him.”

But it’s not like White hasn’t dealt with issues like this before.

Conor McGregor, Jorge Masvidal and Nate Diaz are just a few notable who’ve demonstrated questionable and sometimes dangerous behavior.

McGregor attacked a bus with Khabib Nurmagomedov and his team inside back in 2018 and Masvidal and fellow UFC welterweight Colby Covington were involved in a legit street fight outside a night club in March 2022 that resulted in the former facing two felony charges that were later dropped.

Both situations were far more extreme than some of Mokaev’s alleged behavior, and parting ways with a young, talented, rising star on the cusp of a title shot over some behind-the-scenes drama doesn’t seem to be the soundest of business decisions.

“I want to fight for the belt and I hope the UFC gives me a new contract,” Mokaev told reporters after UFC 304. “… I hope to get a new contract. They want exciting fights and I tried to put my striking together. … I’m young, still not in my prime.”