Mokaev: 'Politics' Won't Stop My UFC Return Push
Muhammad Mokaev says he won't let 'politics' stop his push for a UFC return after his 2024 release.
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Muhammad Mokaev says he still doesn't have a clear answer for why the UFC cut him in 2024, and he isn't letting that stop him from pursuing a return to the promotion.
Mokaev told BBC Sport he is still searching for answers about his release and that he dreams of fighting in the UFC again. The flyweight built a reputation as one of the sport's most talked-about young wrestlers before his UFC run ended, and he has continued to speak openly about wanting back in.
Why Was Mokaev Cut?
Mokaev says he has never been given a straight answer for his release, and he chalks the whole situation up to politics rather than anything that happened in the cage. That lack of clarity, he says, is exactly why he won't quietly move on and is instead pushing publicly for another shot with the promotion.
What It Means for the Betting Market
There's no UFC fight to price here since Mokaev remains outside the organization, but his name still moves conversation in the flyweight division. If the UFC ever reverses course and re-signs him, expect futures markets and title-picture odds at 125 pounds to react quickly given how much attention his situation has already drawn. For now, this is a story to file away rather than one that shifts any live line.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Muhammad Mokaev cut from the UFC?
Muhammad Mokaev says he still doesn't have a clear answer for why the UFC released him in 2024 and calls the situation political.
Does Muhammad Mokaev want to return to the UFC?
Yes, Muhammad Mokaev has said he dreams of returning to the UFC and will keep pursuing a comeback despite being released in 2024.
