Former UFC men’s flyweight contender Muhammad Mokaev has accused the UFC of forcing Raul Rosas Jr. to withdraw from their catchweight grappling bout.
Last week, Abu Dhabi Extreme Championship (ADXC) announced that Mokaev and Rosas Jr. had agreed to a short-notice catchweight grappling match in order to cover for the main-event slot that had been canceled. The pair were then set to compete at the Mubadala Arena in Abu Dhabi on Oct. 25.
However, just three days later, Mokaev has since confirmed the contest is no longer happening. Taking to X, ‘The Punisher’ stated he had nothing but respect for Raul Rosas Jr. and then accused the UFC of playing a hand in its cancellation. He tweeted:
“I have a lot of respect towards @raulrosasjr. Unfortunately [the] UFC didn’t let him compete. I wish you all the best bro!”
Whilst the reason Rosas Jr. has withdrawn has yet to be officially confirmed, Mokaev appears to believe it is likely due to his rocky relationship with the UFC.
The 24-year-old last fought for the promotion back in July, when he defeated Manel Kape via unanimous decision. Despite picking up the win and extending his undefeat record to 13-0 (1), Dana White confirmed at the post-fight presser that Mokaev wouldn’t be offered a new deal with the organization.
The UFC CEO had claimed that the matchmakers weren’t fans of Muhammad Mokaev’s fighting style. However, multiple stories started doing the rounds that he was known to not treat the UFC staff well.
Muhammad Mokaev still aims of returning to the UFC and becoming a champion
Despite no longer being signed to the UFC, Muhammad Mokaev still has his sights set on a return to the promotion in order to win the men’s flyweight title.
Following his win over Manel Kape in July and his subsequent release from the UFC, Mokaev briefly dabbled in free agency. Rumors then began circling he was potentially signing with either the PFL or ONE Championship but ‘The Punisher’ later announced he had signed a contract with BRAVE Combat Federation.
Following the news of his contract, Mokaev took to X and claimed he was now the highest paid non-champion flyweight in MMA. He went on to state, however, that his aim is still to return to the UFC. Mokaev tweeted:
“Highest paid flyweight fighter in the world right now @bravemmaf without holding the title. But of course my goal is come back to UFC because it is the number 1 promotion in the world right now!”
