Muhammad Mokaev Says UFC 'Wasted Two Years' After Surprise Release
His rejection of a reported $10,000 UFC Brazilian jiu-jitsu offer underscores a dispute over promised return talks with matchmakers and his route back to the Octagon.
Overview
- The UFC cut Mokaev after his final contracted fight in July 2024 despite a seven-fight winning streak inside the promotion.
- In mid-September 2026 Mokaev told BBC that matchmaker Hunter Campbell promised a return and that he feels the organisation 'wasted two years' of his career.
- Mokaev says he was offered $10,000 to face Mikey Musumeci in a UFC BJJ event, called the fee deeply insulting, and declined because the offer did not include a guaranteed UFC contract.
- Since leaving the UFC he has fought about eight times, collected outside titles including BRAVE CF and ACBJJ, and has preferred one-fight deals while saying he would consider PFL only if it creates a 125-pound flyweight division.
- The episode has focused attention on UFC roster priorities and a reported bias against wrestling‑heavy, decision-oriented styles, and it could affect how top prospects manage contracts and where rival promotions seek to recruit them.