PFL matchmaker calls out Muhammad Mokaev for lying about negotiations with the promotion
Muhammad Mokaev is yet to find another home after not receiving a new contract from the UFC. But the promising flyweight recently released a message thanking all MMA promotions that reached out to sign the free agent, with Mokaev naming the Professional Fighters League (PFL) as one such promotion.
But matchmaker and executive of the PFL, Mike Kogan, has now called out 'The Punisher' for lying about the promotion showing interest in signing him. With the PFL having made several marquee signings over the past few years, including Francis Ngannou and Jake Paul, it would not be a bad place for Mokaev to land.
But according to Kogan, the PFL showed zero interest in signing the flyweight talent.
'The Punisher' recently took to X and wrote:
"Thank you to all organisations that reached out to me: Brave CF, Rizin, PFL, Karate Combat, ACA. I appreciate [you] for believing in me, now I will sit down with my team and take the best option not on money wise but that could let me go back to the UFC ASAP!"
See Muhammad Mokaev's post below:
Kogan then posted this on his Instagram story:
"This story is a lie - no one from PFL or Bellator spoke to the dude or showed even an [ounce] of interest."
Muhammad Mokaev fires back at PFL President for claiming he is a "pain in the a**"
Muhammad Mokaev completed his UFC contract following his win over Manel Kape at UFC 304 on July 27.
The pair of flyweights were involved in a brawl in the fighter hotel in the week leading up to their bout, and there was speculation that the scuffle contributed to the UFC's decision not to re-sign Mokaev.
But UFC CEO Dana White alluded to more complex behind-the-scenes issues, which 'The Punisher' acknowledged was the main reason for him not receiving another deal.
White also stated that the PFL would be receiving a talented, undefeated fighter when asked if the UFC would re-sign Mokaev. This ultimately led to an expectation that the 23-year old was headed to the new MMA promotion.
But PFL President, Ray Sefo, declared little interest in the flyweight, stating that he had heard Mokaev was a "pain in the a**" to work with. 'The Punisher' responded to Sefo on X, writing:
"Of course you're gonna say this. I never accepted your deals. Nice move."
See Muhammad Mokaev's post below: