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.

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.
Post by @muhammadmokaev on X
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.

Every UK fight result and what's next, every Friday. Get the free UK fight briefing
More MMA from Combat Sports UK
- Kayla Harrison hits back at Demetrious Johnson over his Amanda Nunes comments
- Movsar Evloev wants to beat Alexander Volkanovski over five rounds to prove 'he's not special'
- UFC Edmonton weigh-in results: Buckley and Malott make weight, main event official
- Larissa Pacheco says 'the market has kind of closed its doors on me' a year after PFL exit
The UK fight briefing
The stories, results and upcoming fights worth knowing. Every Friday.



