Mokaev Confirms He Followed White's Advice

Muhammad Mokaev won another title outside the UFC and made sure Dana White knew about it.

The unbeaten flyweight captured the ACBJJ championship Sunday with a decision over Moris Boleian in Turkey, his second belt since the promotion cut him loose in 2024. Mokaev posted video addressing White directly, reminding the UFC boss he took his advice. "Dana said two years ago, 'He can become champion somewhere else,'" Mokaev said, per MMA Mania. "I became BRAVE CF champion, I became ACBJJ champion, I won 5 fights, 4 finishes within two years, staying busy, staying active and showing the world, taking over the 125 division outside the UFC."

Why UFC Released Mokaev After Unbeaten Run

The UFC declined to renew Mokaev's contract in summer 2024 despite a perfect record inside the cage. Mokaev suggested matchmakers disliked his grappling-heavy approach. White said the issue ran deeper, calling Mokaev difficult to work with and making clear the promotion had no interest in bringing him back.

Since then Mokaev compiled a 4-0 MMA record with four finishes, added a Karate Combat knockout, and went 1-2 in grappling matches. He turns 27 next year. White has not commented on whether the recent wins change his position.

Mokaev tagged the UFC president in his social media post but stopped short of asking for reinstatement.

Reported via:

• MMA Mania — Muhammad Mokaev followed Dana White’s advice and ‘became champion somewhere else’