The drama surrounding Mohamed Mokaev, the unbeaten flyweight fighter, continues following his release from the UFC after UFC 304. The latest controversy centers around discrepancies between Mokaev’s statements and the responses from professional leagues, adding a new dimension to this intriguing story.
Mokaev’s Statements:
On August 10, Mohamed Mokaev posted a message on his X (formerly Twitter) account, expressing gratitude for the offers he received from other organizations such as PFL, Brave CF, RIZIN, Karate Combat, and ACA.
Thank you to all organisations that reached out to me
Brave CF, Rizin, PFL, Karate Combat, ACAI appreciate for believing in me, now I will sit down with my team and take the best option not on money wise but that could let me go back to the UFC ASAP! #M57 #KHKmma pic.twitter.com/ZMOij4irC6
— Muhammad Mokaev (@muhammadmokaev) August 10, 2024
Mokaev emphasized that while he is considering these offers, his ultimate goal is to return to the UFC.
Mokaev stated in his message: “Thank you for believing in me. Now I will sit down with my team and make the best choice, not for the money, but for the option that might allow me to return to the UFC as soon as possible!”
Responses:
Hours after Mokaev’s post, Mike Kogan, the current executive director of the Professional Fighters League (PFL), took to Instagram to refute Mokaev’s claims.
Kogan asserted that PFL had not reached out to Mokaev, stating: “This story is a lie; no one from PFL or Bellator has spoken to the guy or shown any interest.”
Kogan’s response aligns with comments made by Ray Sefo last week during a press conference following UFC’s fight in Nashville, where Sefo described Mokaev as a “pain in the ass” and indicated a lack of interest in the fighter.
It is also noteworthy that Sefo is part of Xtreme Couture, where Manel Kape trains. Public exchanges between Kape and Mokaev occurred before their bout at UFC 304, which Mokaev ultimately won. The fight was widely described as lackluster, and Dana White announced at the post-fight press conference that Mokaev would not be re-signed by the UFC.
Analysis:
The clash between Mokaev and the professional leagues highlights the complex dynamics in the MMA world, where media statements can play a crucial role in shaping promotional policies and contractual decisions. Clearly, Mokaev is attempting to create a strategic leverage that might enhance his chances of returning to the UFC, while the professional leagues are directly addressing his claims, adding complexity to the situation.
This discrepancy between statements and affirmations raises questions about how sports organizations handle contractual crises and manage public relations during disputes. Following this story will remain intriguing as it reveals the internal and external tensions faced by sports figures in the MMA world.
