Muhammad Mokaev answers Dana White's challenge in push for UFC return

Unbeaten flyweight Muhammad Mokaev is making a public case for his UFC return, leveraging a challenge Dana White issued two years ago when the promotion declined to renew his contract.

Mokaev (17-0) was a top-ranked 125-pounder when the UFC parted ways with him in 2024, a decision that drew widespread criticism. His final UFC outing—a narrow win over Manel Kape marred by pre-fight tensions—apparently did not impress the promotion's brass enough to retain him.

Since his departure, the 26-year-old has remained active across multiple combat sports. He captured the Brave CF flyweight championship in November and has recorded four MMA wins with multiple finishes. Most recently, Mokaev claimed the ACBJJ 60kg jiu-jitsu title with a decision victory over Moris Boleian at ACBJJ 22 in Istanbul, Turkey. He has also competed in Karate Combat, earning a second-round stoppage there.

Following his jiu-jitsu victory, Mokaev posted a video on X directly addressing White, reminding him of his stated challenge. "Dana said two years ago, 'he can become champion somewhere else.' Yes, I became Brave CF champion. I became ACB jiu-jitsu champion," Mokaev said. He emphasized his five wins, four finishes, and sustained activity over the two-year span, positioning himself as the sport's top flyweight and signaling his readiness for another UFC opportunity.

Whether White views Mokaev's resume-building outside the promotion as proof of his contender status or simply further evidence of the UFC's correct decision remains to be seen. Mokaev's persistence suggests he intends to keep the pressure on until the UFC reconsidering becomes difficult to ignore.