Muhammad Mokaev being cut from UFC despite seven-fight win streak "should tell you something," says insider: "Nothing to do with his fighting style"

Muhammad Mokaev was considered among the best UFC flyweight prospects until his sudden release from the promotion after the UFC 304 win against Manel Kape on July 27. It was the last fight on Mokaev's contract and the speculations are ripe about the reasons for his release. Recently, an ex-UFC fighter claiming to be a "UFC insider" chimed in with his thoughts on the matter.

During the UFC 304 post-fight press conference, UFC CEO Dana White confirmed that Mokaev's contract will not be renewed. According to White, the UFC matchmakers have found it difficult to work with the 23-year-old and clarified that his grappling-heavy fighting style was not the reason behind the release.

Ex-UFC fighter Zac Pauga recently shared his thoughts on Mokaev's departure with a cryptic statement while reacting to a social media post that questioned the UFC's move:

"Like I said in getting tired of being the “inside guy”. Just know that Mokaev being released had nothing to do with his fighting style, the fact that he has all these accolades and they are willing to let him walk should tell you something."

Mokaev vs. Kape was expected to be a title eliminator grudge match on the UFC 304 main card. However, the fight was demoted to the preliminary card and Mokaev secured a unanimous decision victory in an uneventful fight despite a fiery build-up. It was the last fight on Mokaev's UFC contract, who amassed a 7-0 record fighting in the promotion. He was the No.6-ranked flyweight heading into UFC 304.

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Muhammad Mokaev was hoping to renew the UFC contract and fight for the title after UFC 304

Heading into the UFC 304 fight against Manel Kape, Muhammad Mokaev said that he was not interested in negotiating with the UFC for increased pay.

While claiming that he was one of the lowest-paid fighters in the UFC, Mokaev said he wanted to fight for the title after renewing the contract. Mokaev told Sirius XM:

“I’m on the last fight [of my contract] with UFC. This is my last fight on my contract, and I need to put on a good performance to negotiate the new contract. It depends on my performance. I want to chase the gold, and I hope the UFC give me a contract. I just want to fight for the belt. Even if they give me one more fight after this. I’ve had six fights. I already have more finishes in the UFC [than others].”

Check out Muhammad Mokaev's comments below: