Muhammad Mokaev may have a potential home in Professional Fighters League (PFL) after all.
Undefeated 13-0 (1 no contest) former Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) Flyweight contender, Mokaev, has found himself in a rare position after finishing out his contract with the promotion. A unanimous decision win over Manel Kape wasn’t enough to get Mokaev re-signed at UFC 304 despite his unblemished run. Well, outside antics didn’t help his case.
The immediate aftermath of the event led to reports that Mokaev may have prematurely done some contract negotiating with PFL, which he denied. Shortly after, PFL President, Ray Sefo, insisted there was no interest from the promotion in the 24-year-old. However, PFL CEO, Peter Murray, feels completely opposite to his business partner.
“I do think the Flyweight category is something we will be getting into in the future,” Murray told Sherdog. “I know our guys are looking at it. You look at fighters like Muhammad Mokaev; he’s a [13-0] Flyweight from Dagestan. This kid has the second-longest winning streak in UFC Flyweight history. He was 23-0 as an amateur. When I look at a kid like that, that’s an opportunity.
“Whether it’s Muhammad coming into the PFL system in one of our franchises, whether that be the global season or Bellator, and others like him, I think it’s a real opportunity — in particular with international talent in the Flyweight weight class,” he concluded. “Muhammad is the real deal; a lot of respect for him.”
Mokaev has yet to sign with a new promotion as he still hopes to re-enter UFC’s Flyweight title mix and challenge the champion, Alexandre Pantoja. PFL doesn’t have a Flyweight division or season at the moment, but that could very well change in 2025, especially if Mokaev were to come aboard, says Murray.
“I believe Muhammad Mokaev could absolutely be the future face of Flyweights within the Professional Fighters League, should that be a weight class we open up in the Global Season or within our Bellator platform,” Murray said. “It’s absolutely something we’re looking at and this kid is impressive.”