Ariel Helwani suggests "humble pie" route as Muhammad Mokaev wins late-notice Brave CF debut, fans chime in: "UFC ain't resigning him"

Alex Helwani's assessment of Muhammad Mokaev's potential return to the UFC has sparked mixed reactions from MMA fans worldwide. Many criticized the unbeaten fighter for his past behavior, while others agreed with Helwani's remarks regarding Mokaev's next course of action.

For context, Mokaev returned to professional MMA competition for the first time since his departure from the UFC earlier this year. The 24-year-old took on Joevincent So in a flyweight contest on Dec. 13 at Khalifa Sports City Arena in Isa Town, Bahrain. The Brit made short work of his opponent and submitted So via a D’Arce choke in the opening minutes of the fight, displaying his grappling prowess. Mokaev improved his MMA record to 14-0 with the victory.

Following Mokaev's win, Helwani took to X, sharing a clip of his submission win and asserted that 'The Punisher' should settle the differences with the promotion and challenge reigning UFC flyweight champion Alexandre Pantoja for the title in Brazil next year, writing:

''Mokaev was a gigantic favorite. But he did what he had to do. Humble pie, bury the hatchet, re-sign with UFC, fight Pantoja in Brazil next year. That’s the move.''

Check out the post below:

Fans soon rushed to the comments section, with one fan writing:

''UFC ain’t resigning him''

Another one stated:

''I don't think that's how Dana works ..Dude is gonna need 5 wins back to back before that happens''

Other fans wrote:

''He'll be back next year.''

''Bro was just super co*ky acting like he was gods gift to the UFC having struggle fights to decisions, then fighting behind the scenes, and acting like he is irreplaceable to an organization that literally benched Conor McGregor, hope he comes back more focused, he is young and definitely talented''

Check out more reactions below:

[Screenshots courtesy: @arielhelwani on X]

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Manel Kape talks about Muhammad Mokaev's exit from UFC

Muhammad Mokaev last competed in the octagon at UFC 304, where he faced Manel Kape. Mokaev won by unanimous decision, although he wasn't re-signed by the UFC due to his conduct outside of the ring.

Speaking candidly about Mokaev's exit at the UFC Tampa media day, Kape criticized the undefeated flyweight and said he doesn't feel sorry for him:

''He [Moakev] plays dirty. He f*cked me up, so why not? It’s fair. Play clean. Lose, tap, or get your knee destroyed... I don’t have nothing against him, I just feel that he’s a dirty fighter, he’s a dirty person. Good luck to him.... Everyone has his karma. Like I say, karma hits hard.'' [H/t: MMA Fighting]