It sounds like Muhammad Mokaev can cross PFL off the list.
PFL president Ray Sefo indicated the promotion is not interested in the recently-released Mokaev (12-0), who was promptly released from the UFC after his win at last Saturday’s UFC 304.
“No, actually,” Sefo told reporters at a 2024 PFL Playoffs 1 post-fight news conference Friday (h/t MMA Mania). I’ve spoken to people that are in the know, and apparently, he’s just a pain in the ass to deal with. So no, we’re not interested.”
PFL President Ray Sefo says the promotion is not interested in "pain in the ass" Muhammad Mokaev. pic.twitter.com/HKe1NfqybZ
— MMA Mania (@mmamania) August 3, 2024
Mokaev, who turned 24 on Sunday, rose to contender status in the UFC at flyweight, a division PFL does not have as part of its season format, with featherweight the lightest male weight class. Meanwhile, PFL-owned Bellator only goes as light as bantamweight.
After Mokaev built a stellar reputation for his inside the cage abilities as an amateur and early professional, he signed with the UFC in 2022. Mokaev won seven-straight fights in the promotion and established himself as one of the division’s top fighters.
However, his behavior outside the cage would ultimately lead to his UFC exit, as Mokaev’s final months with the promotion included a fight at the UFC Performance Institute and the fighter hotel.
UFC CEO Dana White laid into Moakev after he completed his contract and immediately let reporters know the promotion would not be bringing him back.
“He’s not under contract anymore,” White said. “I think the PFL is going to get a great undefeated guy.”
Since then, the promotion has removed Mokaev from their rankings.
If not the UFC or PFL, where else could Mokaev land?
Asia-based promotions RIZIN and ONE Championship have yet to weigh in on their interest, but both have 125-pound divisions. Rising European promotion OKTAGON also could be a suitor. BKFC often pursues notable names from the MMA space, but Mokaev is predominantly a grappler.
Despite all signs pointing toward the promotion swiftly pushing him out the door, Mokaev recently apologized and indicated he hopes the UFC reconsiders.
“My dream is to become UFC Champion,” Mokaev wrote.
For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for 2024 PFL Playoffs 1.
