It feels like Muhammad Mokaev can cross PFL off the record.
PFL president Ray Sefo indicated the promotion will not be within the recently-released Mokaev (12-0), who was promptly launched from the UFC after his win eventually Saturday’s UFC 304.
“No, really,” Sefo instructed reporters at a 2024 PFL Playoffs 1 post-fight information convention Friday (h/t MMA Mania). I’ve spoken to individuals which might be 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 will not be focused 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 mild as bantamweight.
After Mokaev constructed a stellar repute for his contained in the cage skills as an novice and early skilled, he signed with the UFC in 2022. Mokaev received seven-straight fights within the promotion and established himself as one of many division’s high fighters.
Nevertheless, his conduct exterior the cage would finally result in his UFC exit, as Mokaev’s remaining months with the promotion included a struggle on the UFC Efficiency Institute and the fighter lodge.
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 beneath 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 may Mokaev land?
Asia-based promotions RIZIN and ONE Championship have but to weigh in on their curiosity, however each have 125-pound divisions. 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 just lately apologized and indicated he hopes the UFC reconsiders.
“My dream is to turn out to be 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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