LAS VEGAS – [autotag]Dana White[/autotag] insists that it is [autotag]Muhammad Mokayev[/autotag] who shot himself in the foot.
The UFC refused to re-sign the undefeated flyweight after he defeated Manel Kape at UFC 304 in July. The decision came as a surprise considering Mokaev (13-0 MMA, 7-0 UFC) is on the cusp of a title shot.
The reason behind the UFC’s Mokaev decision remains unclear, with White continuing to refer to it as “behind the scenes” issues rather than Mokaev’s fighting style. Mokaev and Kape were involved in a heated build-up to the fight, brawling at the UFC Performance Institute, the host hotel during UFC 304 fight week, ceremonial weigh-ins and even having to be separated during cage introductions. .
“It is what it is,” White told MMA Junkie and other reporters on Tuesday following Dana White White’s Contender Series 67. “I always say this, that this is an opportunity to be here and perform in front of the whole world. a guy who did everything wrong and pissed these guys off. I wasn’t involved in anything that happened to him.
“But you know, the matchmakers and Hunter (Campbell) were, and they weren’t happy with him. They weren’t happy with the way he acted. They weren’t happy with a lot of things he did and said. I think you can look back now and regret it, but you did it and put yourself in this position.”
Mokaev suggested that a new stage was already in place, with a cryptic post on X simply stating “signed”. The 23-year-old hopes he can return to the UFC and fulfill his dream of becoming champion.
Related
Chael Sonnen wants UFC to reconsider Muhammad Mokaev: ‘I hope they work it out’
Amir Albazi doesn’t like Muhammad Mokaev, but ‘he’s shit’ UFC won’t sign him again
Ray Sefo says PFL is not interested in Muhammad Mokaev: ‘Apparently he’s just a pain in the ass to deal with’
For more information on the card, visit the MMA Junkie events hub to DWCS67.
This article was originally published on MMA Junkie: Dana White’s Stance on Not Re-Signing Muhammad Mokaev Remains Same: ‘It Is What It Is’
