Connect with us

MMA

Muhammad Mokaev reveals why he turned down recent UFC title opportunity

Published

on

Muhammad Mokaev reveals why he turned down recent UFC title opportunity
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.

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.

Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

MMA

Floyd Mayweather open to Conor McGregor rematch: Lets do it

Published

on

Floyd Mayweather open to Conor McGregor rematch: 'Let's do it'
Floyd
Mayweather Jr. is open to a rematch against Conor
McGregor.

The unbeaten former boxing champion recently reflected on their
2017 bout, saying it elevated McGregor's profile and generated
considerable financial rewards for both men.

Floyd Mayweather discusses possible Conor McGregor rematch nine
years after 2017 boxing match

Mayweather stopped McGregor by technical knockout in the 10th
round, improving his professional record to 50-0. He has since
competed in several exhibitions and remains interested in facing
the Irishman again.

“Actually, I think me and Conor McGregor may lock up again. Yeah,
absolutely,†Mayweather said during an appearance on the “PBD
Podcast.†“I don't live with Conor McGregor, he's not my friend. I
don't have to see him. It's just when it's time for us to do
business and lock up, let's do it.â€

Mayweather's exhibition opponents have included Japanese kickboxer
Tenshin
Nasukawa, social media personalities Logan Paul
and Deji, and former MMA fighter Aaron
Chalmers. “Money†has also faced John Gotti
III twice.

Continue Reading

MMA

Nina Drama denies being forced to wear hijab for Movsar Evloev interview

Published

on

Nina Drama denies being 'forced' to wear hijab for Movsar Evloev interview
Nina-Marie Daniele says she wore a hijab for her interview with
Movsar
Evloev out of respect.

Evloev is scheduled to challenge Alexander
Volkanovski for the
Ultimate Fighting Championship featherweight title at
UFC 333 on Oct. 24 at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi. Daniele's
decision to wear a hijab while interviewing the Muslim fighter drew
criticism online, prompting her response.

Nina-Marie Daniele explains why she wore a hijab for Movsar
Evloev interview ahead of UFC 333

During the interview, Evloev said his religious beliefs would
prevent him from looking at her if she were dressed less modestly.
Daniele defended her choice, explaining that she wanted to make him
comfortable. She also said participation in her interviews is
voluntary and that no one forced her to wear the hijab.

“At the end of the day it's always about respect,†Daniele wrote on
X. “I have so much respect for all my Muslim friends. I love
learning about cultures and I'm so grateful for the UFC for giving
me the opportunity to travel the world. Some people are offended
and that's fine, this came from a place of respect and wanting to
be able to make Movsar
Evloev comfortable in our interview. My interviews are not
‘mandatory' and never were, the fighters that show up show up
because they want to and I was in no way shape or form ‘forced' to
do anything. Thank you to Movsar and his team for giving me the
opportunity to show the fans a different side of him! I'm so happy
people are enjoying the interview!â€

Continue Reading

MMA

Arman Tsarukyan wrestles Anthony Pettis in RAF 15 main event

Published

on

Arman Tsarukyan wrestles Anthony Pettis in RAF 15 main event

Anthony Pettis is out of his scheduled RAF debut against Donald Cerrone and is instead hunting bigger game.

On Tuesday, Real American Freestyle announced that Pettis will challenge Arman Tsarukyan for his RAF middleweight crossover title in the main event of RAF 15, which takes place on Nov. 28 at NOW Arena in Chicago.

RAF 15 was originally set to be headlined by Henry Cejudo vs. Song Yadong. That bout now serves as the co-main event.

MMA Fighting confirmed that Tsarukyan is still wrestling Neiman Gracie at RAF Abu Dhabi on Nov. 14 in a non-title bout. Meanwhile, Donald Cerrone is now out of RAF 15 altogether.

Tsarukyan won the vacant RAF crossover middleweight title this past weekend with a tech fall over Dillon Danis at RAF 14 in Las Vegas.

Pettis, meanwhile, has never competed in freestyle wrestling before, and last competed in any combat sport in 2024, losing a unanimous decision to Chris Avila in a boxing match.

Mike Heck contributed to this report.

Continue Reading
Advertisement

OUR NEWSLETTER

Subscribe Us To Receive Our Latest News Directly In Your Inbox!

We don’t spam! Read our privacy policy for more info.

Trending