Exclusive: Brandon Royval weighs in on Muhammad Mokaev's UFC exit, sheds light on "secret" PI altercation
UFC men's flyweight contender Brandon Royval has weighed in on Muhammad Mokaev's high-profile UFC exit, revealing it may have been due to a previously unknown altercation.
Mokaev recently fought out the last fight on his contract when he faced Manel Kape at UFC 304. Despite picking up the win, Dana White confirmed at the post-fight presser that 'The Punisher' wouldn't be offered a new deal. He then suggested it was due to the matchmakers not enjoying his fighting style.
Since Mokaev's release, a multiude of rumors have come to light about the reasons why, suggesting it was more than just the way he fights in the octagon. According to fighters such as Steve Erceg, the 24-year-old was also known to treat UFC staff poorly behind-the-scenes.
It had also been reported that Mokaev and his team were tapping up other fight promotions in order to secure a better contract with the UFC, however, the Russian-English fighter denied those claims.
Recently, 'Raw Dawg' offered his two-cents on the situation during an exclusive interview with Sportskeeda MMA.
Speaking to James Lynch, Brandon Royval revealed that Mokaev's release may have also been down to a "secret" altercation that took place at the UFC's Performance Institute (PI) back in March. He explained:
"I did know before everyone else that the Manel Kape thing happened [the pair having an altercation in Las Vegas at the PI]. I knew that they were keeping it secret and buried the hatchet. They were trying to act like it never happened [To the UFC]. That sh*t definitely happened, everyone at the PI was telling me about it."
Catch Royval's comments here (4:15):
Brandon Royval reveals he is planning on opening up an MMA gym for troubled youth in Denver
Whilst Brandon Royval's ultimate goal is to achieve UFC gold in the men's flyweight division, outside of the octagon, the 32-year-old is close to making another dream come true.
Speaking in the same interview with Sportskeeda MMA, 'Raw Dawg' revealed he's planning on opening up an MMA gym in his hometown of Denver, Colorado. According to the flyweight contender, his aim is to help troubled kids get off the streets and provide them a safe space. He explained:
"I want to open up my own gym, I want to open up a boys and girls club. I'm in the process of buying a building. I want to have a safe zone for kids and constantly offer food, healthy food...I want a place where they feel safe and can get stuff done."
Check out Brandon Royval's comments here (19:30):