Steve Erceg sheds light on Muhammad Mokaev's treatment of UFC staff factoring into his release: "He's a little entitled"
Steve Erceg recently weighed in on Muhammad Mokaev's UFC release despite having an unbeaten record and being among the top contenders in the flyweight division. The 29-year-old shed light on how the Dagestani's treatment of the promotion's staff likely factored in their decision.
Although the 24-year-old earned a unanimous decision win over Manel Kape at UFC 304 this past Saturday, Dana White noted that it was his final bout in the promotion. The UFC CEO confirmed that 'The Punisher' would be released from his deal and free to join the PFL.
Championship Rounds tweeted a clip from the Australian's conversation with Middle Easy, where he discussed 'The Punisher's' behaviour behind-the-scenes. Erceg noted that he had witnessed how Mokaev treated the UFC staff and mentioned that he is hopeful that he will take it as a learning experience. He said:
"The way [Mokaev] treats people, don't know if fans get to see it but I don't know, he just seems like he's a little entitled and things he's very important, which I don't particularly like and obviously the UFC didn't like. So, hopefully he grows from here and learns a lesson."
Check out Steve Erceg's comments below:
Steve Erceg recalls witnessing Muhammad Mokaev's treatment of UFC staff
Steve Erceg recalled competing on the same event as Muhammad Mokaev and noted that he witnessed how the 24-year-old treated UFC staff.
During the aforementioned clip, Erceg noted that he wasn't aware if others knew about 'The Punisher's' attitude but mentioned that the way he treated some members of the UFC staff was bizarre. He said:
"I had saw it when I fought on the same card as [Mokaev]. Just the way he treated the nutrition team and that sort of thing from the UFC. And just like, little things that's disrespectful... I thought was odd."
Check out Dana White's comments about Muhammad Mokaev following UFC 304 below: