Muhammad Mokaev's manager refutes claims of UFC release over alleged PFL negotiations while under contract: "Completely false"
While Muhammad Mokaev maintained his undefeated streak at UFC 304, he may have seemingly failed in his bid to secure a contract renewal with the world's premier MMA organization. UFC CEO Dana White gave a foretaste of the next chapter in his journey, claiming that PFL (Professional Fighters League) may end up signing "a great undefeated guy."
However, fresh reports from the situation indicate that Mokaev may have attempted to negotiate with the PFL while still under contract with the UFC. MMA reporter and UFC play-by-play commentator Ben Davis revealed insider details of the ongoing saga which highlighted that the undefeated fighter may have sought to capitalize on the interest from PFL to negotiate a better deal with the UFC.
Check out the alleged leaked messages below:
Mokaev's team has now come out to quash the circulating rumors dismissing them as "completely false." MMA Fighting reporter Damon Martin revealed Mokaev's team's stance on X, writing:
"Muhammad Mokaev's manager Tim Simpson tells me the rumor floating around that his UFC exit was brought on by negotiations with the PFL while still under contract are "completely false." No truth to that whatsoever. #UFC #PFL"
Moreover, Martin revealed why a reputed manager like Simpson, who manages some of the biggest names in the sport, is unlikely to jeopardize his relationship with the UFC:
"You do realize if he was negotiating with PFL while still under contract with the UFC, that could lead to one hell of a lawsuit. Also Tim reps guys like Adesanya, Leon Edwards, and Jiri Prochazka. I highly doubt he’s going to openly torch his relationship with the UFC."
Check out the X posts below:
Manel Kape posts a video of Muhammad Mokaev allegedly tapping to a guillotine choke attempt
Manel Kape and Muhammad Mokaev's fiery pre-fight buildup, unfortunately, failed to translate into the fight as the undefeated fighter picked up his seventh straight UFC win with a unanimous decision victory over his rival.
Nevertheless, the rift between the pair hasn't been settled with Kape pointing out the multiple illegal moves that Mokaev resorted to during the contest. The Angolan-born Portuguese fighter also claimed on X that Mokaev tapped to a guillotine, writing:
"You can clearly see the moment when Mokaev taps. Before the fight, we were warned by the same referee that any manipulation of tap or dirty games the judge would end the fight or have removed the point. But ?? #taporfaketapitstap"
Check out the X post below: