Khabib Nurmagomedov: UFC erred in Muhammad Mokaev’s release
Former Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) Lightweight Champion Khabib Nurmagomedov has publicly stated the promotion made a significant misstep in releasing undefeated British-Dagestani fighter Muhammad Mokaev. Nurmagomedov believes Mokaev was destined for the UFC flyweight championship if given the opportunity, a sentiment that has sparked discussion around the fighter’s UFC release.
His comments, made in an interview with Smol Talk and echoed in a Red Corner MMA tweet on July 16, 2026, underscore a core belief: Mokaev’s strong wrestling base is an overlooked asset in mixed martial arts. Mokaev’s departure from the UFC in July 2024, despite a perfect 7-0 record, certainly raised eyebrows across the combat sports world.
Nurmagomedov champions wrestling dominance
Khabib Nurmagomedov, who retired from MMA with an unblemished 29-0 record, firmly attributes Mokaev’s potential success to his grappling prowess. He considers wrestling the most reliable foundation in the sport, echoing the strategy that defined his own storied career.
“If they give Mokaev a shot, he will be the champion too. He’s also a wrestler,” Nurmagomedov declared. He expanded on this, saying: “When you have a wrestling background, you’re in control of where the fight goes. Wrestling will always dominate.”
This perspective isn’t new for Nurmagomedov, who has consistently championed wrestling’s foundational role. He suggests elite grapplers are often undervalued despite their consistent ability to control and win fights at the sport’s highest echelons.
Mokaev’s undefeated UFC tenure and abrupt departure
Muhammad Mokaev entered the UFC with considerable hype, boasting an impressive amateur record of 23-0 and multiple IMMAF world titles. He quickly made an impact, compiling a flawless 7-0 professional record within the promotion.
His UFC run included submission victories over Cody Durden, Malcolm Gordon, Jafel Filho, and Tim Elliott. Mokaev also secured dominant decision wins against Alex Perez and, in his final UFC bout, Manel Kape at UFC 304 on July 27, 2024, in Manchester.
Despite this perfect record and a Performance of the Night bonus for his debut, Mokaev was abruptly removed from the UFC flyweight rankings when his contract was not renewed. The decision came as a surprise to many observers, given his consistent winning streak.
Behind the UFC’s decision to cut a 7-0 fighter
UFC CEO Dana White confirmed after UFC 304 that Mokaev’s deal would not be extended. He cited “many different reasons” and “issues away from competition,” implying matchmakers weren’t “big fans of his for many different reasons.”
Several factors reportedly played a role in the UFC’s decision. One rumor suggested Mokaev declined a title shot against then-champion Alexandre Pantoja after his win over Alex Perez, instead calling out Brandon Royval on social media three days later.
There were also reports of management issues, with Mokaev’s team allegedly attempting to negotiate with the Professional Fighters League (PFL) while he was still under UFC contract. This kind of maneuvering often creates tension with promotions.
Mokaev himself acknowledged that his reputation took a hit after the UFC “painted him as a ‘bad guy’.” He also suggested the UFC sometimes prefers “excited fighters, strikers with the finishes,” and that his decision victories might have contributed to his release.
An altercation with Manel Kape at the fighter hotel on the eve of UFC 304 may have further complicated matters. Mokaev did acknowledge his reputation suffered after being painted as a ‘bad guy’ in the wake of such incidents.
A successful post-UFC career for “The Punisher”
Since his unexpected UFC departure, Muhammad Mokaev, known as “The Punisher,” has not slowed down. He quickly rejoined Brave Combat Federation (Brave CF) in August 2024, a promotion where he had previously competed.
His return to Brave CF proved fruitful. In December 2024, at Brave CF 91, he submitted Joevincent So with a first-round brabo choke in a 130 lb catchweight bout. He also made a successful debut in Karate Combat 54 in May 2025, winning via flying knee.
Mokaev reached a significant career milestone at Brave CF 100 in November 2025, capturing the inaugural Brave CF Flyweight Championship. He achieved this with a spectacular head-kick knockout of Gerard Burns, further cementing his impressive 16-0 professional MMA record.
His continued dominance outside the UFC lends considerable weight to Khabib Nurmagomedov’s argument. It suggests that the UFC may have indeed underestimated Mokaev’s talent and championship potential.
Mokaev’s desire for a UFC return
Despite his success elsewhere, Muhammad Mokaev has expressed a clear desire to return to the UFC. He remains focused on challenging current flyweight champion Alexandre Pantoja, believing he can still achieve his goal of holding UFC gold.
Interestingly, Mokaev noted positive interactions with UFC executives. He mentioned that UFC Chief Business Officer Hunter Campbell and matchmaker Mick Maynard reached out to him before his fight against Burns, wishing him well.
This suggests a potential softening of the relationship between Mokaev and the promotion. His maturation, coupled with family responsibilities and a restructured inner circle, might make him a more appealing prospect for a return. However, past comments from Dana White indicate the UFC’s matchmakers harbored significant grievances.
Broader implications for Russian fighters and UFC policy
Khabib Nurmagomedov’s concerns extend beyond just Muhammad Mokaev. He has voiced broader apprehension regarding the UFC’s treatment of Russian fighters, perceiving a pattern of difficulty in their matchmaking or outright removal from the system.
He cited examples like Movsar Evloev, who boasts a 9-0 UFC record without yet receiving a title shot, and Magomed Ankalaev, who also faced delays in his title aspirations. Nurmagomedov argues that the UFC often prioritizes fighters who are more marketable or engage in “trash talk” over those who simply dominate with a wrestling-heavy style.
This alleged preference for entertainment value could have significant ramifications for fighters whose strengths lie in less flashy, but highly effective, grappling. The perception that pure fighting ability isn’t always enough for promotion could deter some talented prospects.
The situation with Mokaev, combined with Nurmagomedov’s commentary, highlights a tension within the UFC between athletic merit and marketability. It forces a conversation about what truly drives promotional decisions and how much value is placed on consistent winning records versus controversial personalities.
The enduring impact of a controversial decision
The UFC’s decision to release Muhammad Mokaev remains a point of contention, particularly with an influential figure like Khabib Nurmagomedov weighing in. Mokaev’s continued success outside the promotion only amplifies the questions surrounding his departure.
His impressive 16-0 professional record, capped by a Brave CF flyweight title, speaks volumes about his capabilities. It suggests that the “issues away from competition” cited by Dana White, whatever their nature, may have cost the UFC a potential champion.
The argument for wrestling’s dominance in MMA, a philosophy epitomized by Nurmagomedov himself, finds a strong exhibit in Mokaev’s career trajectory. Whether the UFC eventually reconsiders, and “The Punisher” makes a triumphant return, remains to be seen. His journey, however, serves as a powerful case study in talent evaluation and fighter management within the sport.
Major fight outcomes often have ripple effects throughout the industry, and this situation is no different.