It feels like Muhammad Mokaev can cross PFL off the checklist.
PFL president Ray Sefo indicated the promotion isn’t within the recently-released Mokaev (12-0), who was promptly launched from the UFC after his win ultimately Saturday’s UFC 304.
“No, truly,” Sefo informed reporters at a 2024 PFL Playoffs 1 post-fight information convention Friday (h/t MMA Mania). I’ve spoken to folks which are within the know, and apparently, he’s only a ache within the ass to cope with. So no, we’re not .”
PFL President Ray Sefo says the promotion isn’t keen on “ache within the ass” Muhammad Mokaev. pic.twitter.com/HKe1NfqybZ
— MMA Mania (@mmamania) August 3, 2024
Mokaev, who turned 24 on Sunday, rose to contender standing within the UFC at flyweight, a division PFL doesn’t have as a part of its season format, with featherweight the lightest male weight class. In the meantime, PFL-owned Bellator solely goes as gentle as bantamweight.
After Mokaev constructed a stellar status for his contained in the cage talents as an newbie and early skilled, he signed with the UFC in 2022. Mokaev gained seven-straight fights within the promotion and established himself as one of many division’s high fighters.
Nonetheless, his habits exterior the cage would in the end result in his UFC exit, as Mokaev’s ultimate months with the promotion included a battle on the UFC Efficiency Institute and the fighter resort.
UFC CEO Dana White laid into Moakev after he accomplished his contract and instantly let reporters know the promotion wouldn’t be bringing him again.
“He’s not underneath contract anymore,” White stated. “I feel the PFL goes to get a fantastic undefeated man.”
Since then, the promotion has eliminated Mokaev from their rankings.
If not the UFC or PFL, the place else might Mokaev land?
Asia-based promotions RIZIN and ONE Championship have but to weigh in on their curiosity, however each have 125-pound divisions. Rising European promotion OKTAGON additionally could possibly be a suitor. BKFC usually pursues notable names from the MMA house, however Mokaev is predominantly a grappler.
Regardless of all indicators pointing towards the promotion swiftly pushing him out the door, Mokaev not too long ago apologized and indicated he hopes the UFC reconsiders.
“My dream is to change into UFC Champion,” Mokaev wrote.
For extra on the cardboard, go to MMA Junkie’s occasion hub for 2024 PFL Playoffs 1.
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