With the future of Muhammad Mokaev still hanging in the balance, another flyweight has come forward to reveal he was cut despite a positive record.
At UFC 304, the Brit produced an impressive victory to improve his record to 13-0 (1), but this may not have been enough to secure his place in the world’s premier mixed martial arts organization.
Nate Maness is upset with his UFC exit
During a fight week he’ll never forget, Muhammad Mokaev engaged in a brawl with Manel Kape and the rest of his team, and even had to be separated from his rival inside the octagon in the moments before the fight.
Regardless, when the first bell chimed, the Brit went all out in his efforts to prove he had what it takes to make an entertaining spectacle.
In the past, the talented grappler had been branded ‘boring’ for his wrestling-heavy approach. With this in mind, he stood and traded shots with his adversary, hoping the UFC would take note.
Following the bout, he stressed that he wanted to challenge Alexandre Pantoja for the flyweight belt. Alas, Dana White claimed at the post-fight press conference, that he wouldn’t be renewing the 23-year-old’s contract, saying: “PFL is going to get a great undefeated guy.”
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While rumors are doing the rounds as to exactly why Mokaev likely won’t be part of the UFC going forward, we’re yet to get official confirmation on what the reason for this decision is.
Regardless, he’s not the only one in a difficult position right now. Despite accumulating an impressive 5-2 record with Performance of the Night bonuses, Nate Maness was cut by the UFC.
On July 15, he tweeted: “As of today, I am no longer with the UFC and officially a free agent. They still have a matching period for other offers and can also offer a new contract at any time. We could also fill in for a short notice at 135lbs. If this is the end, at 5-2 (3 finishes), I feel like we represented our small town well.”
On July 29, he gave a disappointing update, tweeting: “We received word back from the UFC matchmaker last week about why we weren’t re-signed. We were told the Flyweight division is comprised of exciting fighters and he doesn’t view me as exciting.
“I suppose half your fights being finishes/bonuses isn’t good enough now.”
Maness’ story caught the attention of fans, with many fearing for the future of the flyweight division, prompting them to tweet their displeasure. According to the athlete, this made a massive impact.
He posted: “The UFC has been in contact with us a couple different times since the post was put up. It’s clearly making a difference and they don’t like the light that has been casted on them. No trash talk. Just truth.
“Thank you, guys for all the likes, shares and support.”
Muhammad Mokaev denies rumors he was negotiating with PFL
In the aftermath of the press conference, journalists have attempted to figure out the catalyst for Mokaev’s apparent removal from the major promotion.
A story emerged that the gifted athlete was attempting to negotiate a deal with the PFL, in order to gain a more financially lucrative agreement from the UFC.
However, both the fighter and his manager have come forward to claim that this rumor is 100% false.
Mokaev explained that he still has his sights set on UFC gold and hopes White will change his mind.
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