Muhammad Mokaev slams “juice head’ referee Mike Beltran following in-cage incident before fight with Manel Kape
Muhammad Mokaev may have found himself on the winning side against Manel Kape at UFC 304. But the undefeated flyweight was left bitterly annoyed by the referee for their clash, Mike Beltran.
The build-up to the flyweight clash between Mokaev and 'Starboy' was as heated as any UFC clash in recent memory. Tensions began in March, when according to the 23-year old, he was assaulted by Kape ahead of his clash with Alex Perez at UFC Vegas 87.
'The Punisher' took his chance to exact revenge at the fighter hotel ahead of UFC 304, where he allegedly sucker punched his opponent after initially asking him to take a picture together.
When the pair were finally stood across from each other in the octagon, the Angolan made a rush at Mokaev, forcing Beltran to step in and make contact with the Dagestani-born fighter.
He took issue with the referee's actions, and when he appeared in front of the media following the event, made mention of his displeasure. He said:
"I didn't like this ref. I didn't like when Manel ran at me, he put me against the cage like squeezing my ribs against the cage right before the fight. Like, 'What are you doing?!' Get away from me. You don't need to do this, I understand you're a juice head. Take your juice and try to bully a flyweight in the octagon. Don't do this to me."
Watch Muhammad Mokaev's interview below (10:30):
Muhammad Mokaev shown the door by the UFC
Muhammad Mokaev has been one of the best prospects in the flyweight division since his promotional debut against Cody Durden at UFC Fight Night 204 in 2022. Since then, the 23-year-old has accumulated a seven-fight unbeaten streak, and was vocal about his eagerness for a shot at the title.
After defeating No.8 flyweight contender Manel Kape at UFC 304, 'The Punisher' confirmed that he had completed his current contract with the company. He stated that he hoped his performance had done enough to convince UFC brass to re-sign him, but his wish has been denied.
UFC CEO Dana White appeared in front of the media following the event, where he was asked if the promotion would resign the Dagestani. He said this:
"The matchmakers aren't big fans of [Mokaev's]... He's not under contract [with the UFC] anymore... I think the PFL is gonna get a great undefeated guy. Goodluck to him."
Watch Dana White discuss Muhammad Mokaev below (6:40):