Muhammad Mokaev fires back at PFL president for “pain in a**” comments; claims he’s “in talks” for a new deal with unspecified promotion
Muhammad Mokaev was rumored to be heading to the Professional Fighters League (PFL) following the UFC's decision not to re-sign the flyweight prospect. However, Ray Sefo, the PFL president, recently stated that they would not be interested in signing Mokaev.
Sefo went so far as to say that they had heard the former UFC fighter was "a pain in the a*s to deal with," which was the main reason for PFL's lack of interest.
'The Punisher' has now fired back at the PFL president for his comments and also stated that he was in talks with an unspecified MMA promotion. Mokaev took to X and responded to a video featuring Sefo's comments:
"Of course you gonna say this.. I never accepted your deals. Nice move."
Mokaev then responded to a fan who advised him to accept whatever deal he is given next:
"Don't worry about that bro. I'm already in talks..."
See Muhammad Mokaev's posts below:
Following Mokaev's appearance at UFC 304 on 27 July, UFC CEO Dana White confirmed that the promotion would not be re-signing the surging prospect. Rumors began swirling that the decision was largely due to 'The Punisher' talking to the PFL while still under contract with the UFC, hoping to use the PFL's offer as leverage for a better UFC deal.
Whilst the 24-year-old initially denied those rumors, his response to Ray Sefo about being sour because Mokaev didn't accept his offer paints a different picture.
Muhammad Mokaev thanks Tom Aspinall for his support following UFC departure
The UFC unexpectedly left Muhammad Mokaev to explore other options after the promotion decided not to re-sign the undefeated flyweight.
The news came as a shock to many fans, as 'The Punisher' had stated several times during the UFC 304 fight week that he hoped the promotion would give him a new contract.
Unfortunately, that did not transpire, and interim heavyweight champion and Mokaev's first-ever Brazilian jiu-jitsu coach, Tom Aspinall, has shared words of support with the flyweight.
During an interview with Sky Sports, he said:
"It's not great, is it, mate? Let's be honest. It's a bad spot for him to be in. I would say, if you act like that, then you're gonna get consequences. There's plenty more people like that in the UFC."
'The Punisher' replied:
"Appreciate the support brother."
Check out Muhammad Mokaev's post below: