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Muhammad Mokaev ends pursuit of UFC return and sees another promotion as best fit

The flyweight, released by the UFC in 2024 despite being ranked in the top five with no losses, has won four fights under three different promotional banners since leaving the Octagon.

By Combat Sports UK Staff · Published · AI-assisted reporting
Muhammad Mokaev
Photo: UFC

Muhammad Mokaev has given up on returning to the UFC, two years after the promotion let him go, and now sees another organisation as the best destination for his career.

Mokaev had spent the time since his exit trying to work his way back to the Octagon, sending messages to Dana White and the UFC after wins in both MMA and grappling. When a fan replied to him suggesting he was ending any hope of securing another UFC contract, Mokaev made clear that his focus had changed.

The UFC decided not to re-sign Mokaev in 2024, shortly after he beat Manel Kape. He was a top-five flyweight with no losses on his record at the time.

He has won four fights under three different promotional banners since. He became the inaugural Brave CF flyweight champion, then seven months later knocked out Jorge Calvo in 42 seconds in his most recent fight, for Ilia Topuria's Spanish organisation.

In this story
Muhammad MokaevManel KapeIlia Topuria
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Sources