White uninterested in re-signing Mokaev, says PFL can have him

UFC CEO Dana White appears to have zero interest in bringing back Muhammad Mokaev after the No. 6-ranked flyweight fought out his contract at UFC 304.

Mokaev, 23, lifted his promotional record to 7-0 with a grueling unanimous decision win over Manel Kape on Saturday night in Manchester, England. He asked for a new deal after the victory, and in most cases, the Russian-born Brit would be on track for a shot at Alexandre Pantoja's flyweight title. But instead, White sees the UFC letting Mokaev walk and the up-and-comer signing with rival promotion PFL.

"The matchmakers aren't big fans of his," White said at the UFC 304 postfight press conference. "For many different reasons. Not just takedowns. There's a lot of people who shoot takedowns in this business, a lot of guys that fight with that type of style. But it's a lot more than just that."

White added: "(Mokaev is) not under contract anymore. I think the PFL is gonna get a great, undefeated guy. Good luck to him."

White did not disclose what specific issues the UFC brass have had with Mokaev, who got into a physical altercation with Kape at the host hotel just days before UFC 304.

Mokaev told reporters after defeating Kape that the UFC threatened not to re-sign him leading into the fight because of his wrestling-heavy style.

Mokaev turned pro in 2020 after an impressive amateur career and made his UFC debut in 2022, defeating the likes of Alex Perez, Tim Elliott, and now Kape to reach title contention.