Dana White: Muhammad Mokaev “did everything wrong,” says Dana White while shedding light on contract situation with ‘The Punisher’

Muhammad Mokaev “did everything wrong,” says Dana White while shedding light on contract situation with ‘The Punisher’

Modified Aug 14, 2024 12:26 GMT

Dana White (left) says Muhammad Mokaev's (right) behavior behind the scenes was the entire reason he wasn't re-signed [Images courtesy: Getty Images]

Muhammad Mokaev's contractual saga with the UFC is yet to subside, with the talented flyweight prospect having been left to explore other options after not receiving a new contract. The promotion's decision surprised some fans, as 'The Punisher' was 7-0 in the octagon and ranked in the division's top 10.

Mokaev's most recent fight took place at UFC 304 on July 27, where he defeated Manel Kape via decision. The pair were involved in not one, but two separate brawls ahead of their scheduled fight, and fans assumed the incidents contributed to the UFC's decision not to re-sign the flyweight contender.

UFC CEO Dana White hinted at other issues as bigger reasons for the decision, however, and Mokaev has since confirmed that behind-the-scenes issues caused his departure.

Following Dana White's Contender Series on Tuesday, White appeared in front of the media and elaborated on the promotion's situation with the 23-year-old flyweight:

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"It is what it is... This is an opportunity, to be here and to perform in front of the entire world. He's just a guy that did everything wrong and p*ssed these guys off. I wasn't involved with any of the stuff that happened with him, but the matchmakers and Hunter [Campbell] were, and they weren't happy with him. They weren't happy with the way he acted."

Watch Dana White discuss Muhammad Mokaev below (12:25):

Muhammad Mokaev hints at having signed a deal with a new promotion

Muhammad Mokaev was one of the UFC flyweight division's best prospects, and with an MMA record of 13-0 (one no contest), the 23-year old was touted as a future champion.

His talent was a large reason why many fans were surprised by the UFC's decision not to re-sign him. But several weeks after Dana White initially confirmed that 'The Punisher' would not return to the octagon after beating Manel Kape at UFC 304, the undefeated fighter has declared he has found a new home.

There was speculation that the Professional Fighters League (PFL) was the likeliest destination for Mokaev. But PFL matchmaker Mike Kogan recently called out 'The Punisher' for lying about their interest in signing him, ruling them out.