Dana White cut a UFC 304 fighter from the roster in the most brutal way possible.
British prospect Muhammad Mokaev picked up a routine points win over rival Manel Kape in Manchester, which appeared to secure him a shot at UFC flyweight champion Alexandre Pantoja.
But Mokaev’s contract with the MMA promotion was up at the end of the night, and he was awaiting a final decision as to whether his future would be safe.
Although despite never being defeated in his career, White has decided to part ways with Mokaev and announced it in a blunt speech at the post-fight press conference.
“Yeah, the matchmakers aren’t big fans of his for many different reasons, and not just because [of his fighting style] there’s a lot of people who shoot takedowns in this in this business,” he said after the clash.
“There are a lot of guys that fight with that type of style, but it’s a lot more than just that.
“He’s not under contract anymore. I think the PFL is going to get a great, undefeated guy. Good luck to him.”
It was a bold powerplay, even urging Mokaev to move to rival promotion PFL after his display.
It wasn’t the best advert for the flyweight division in the UFC, with the promotion clearly keen to provide entertainment to boost it to its lofty heights.
Mokaev did pick up the win, despite his rival breaking his toe in the second round of their encounter.
It is now an uncertain time for the 23-year-old, who suggested in the aftermath that he simply needed to do what it takes to win with high stakes beyond.
He said: “They said they’re going to see how I perform. They don’t want to see me keep shooting and taking somebody down.
“But I’ve done what I could do with, like, tonight. They don’t like this.
“They tried to get rid of flyweights before and they don’t want this kind of fight.
“But, listen, I’m young, I’m still not in my prime and if they want me to stand and bang, toe-to-toe with these 30-year-old grown men I have to do what’s best for me to win.”
It could be a sad end for the bright young prospect, who could well be forced to look elsewhere to try and win a belt.
White was clearly in a savage mood after UFC 304, immediately calling an end to $100,000 fight bonuses after some disappointing displays.
News Summary:
- Undefeated UFC 304 fighter savagely released in speech by Dana White despite win setting up title shot
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