Muhammad
Mokaev was offered an opportunity to compete under the
Ultimate Fighting Championship banner again, but declined.
Mokaev, who controversially exited the UFC in 2024, has revealed
that he was offered a UFC BJJ title match against Mikey
Musumeci. He recently detailed turning down the matchup as he
continues to campaign for a return to the promotion’s flyweight
mixed martial arts division.
Advertisement
Muhammad Mokaev says UFC BJJ title fight against Mikey Musumeci
came without MMA return
Speaking to BBC Sport, Mokaev said that the issue wasn’t
with the opponent he was offered. Instead, he objected to the UFC’s
reluctance to link the grappling appearance to a full return to the
roster.
According to Mokaev, he was offered $10,000 to compete against
Musumeci in UFC BJJ and was prepared to accept the matchup if it
came with a UFC contract afterward. When the promotion indicated
that the grappling appearance was separate from its MMA plans, “The
Punisher” declined.
“They said, ‘No, this is different. BJJ is different. This is
different. We have other plans.’ I told them where to go,” Mokaev
said.
The UFC opted against re-signing Mokaev (17-0) after his lackluster
win over top-ranked 125-pounder Manel Kape.
Despite boasting a perfect record, the Dagestan-born Brit’s
pre-fight antics seemingly turned top promotional execs against
him. He has since picked up four more wins, while staying active in
grappling and wrestling matches.