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Muhammad Mokaev Still Confused By Dana White’s Claim About His UFC Exit: ‘Never Pulled Out…Never Missed Weight’

Flyweight fighter Muhammad Mokaev says he’s none the wiser as to true reasons behind his shock departure from the UFC last year. Mokaev surprisingly found himself outside of the sport’s leading promotion shortly after his win at UFC 304 in Manchester last July. In a lackluster affair, the Dagestan-born Brit outpointed Manel Kape to move […]

Flyweight fighter Muhammad Mokaev says he’s none the wiser as to true reasons behind his shock departure from the UFC last year.

Mokaev surprisingly found himself outside of the sport’s leading promotion shortly after his win at UFC 304 in Manchester last July. In a lackluster affair, the Dagestan-born Brit outpointed Manel Kape to move to 13-0 as a pro and 7-0 in the UFC.

With a victory over “Starboy,” Mokaev was anticipating a potential title shot. But seemingly owing to his conduct behind the scenes, “The Punisher” was instead let go after fighting out his contract.

The 24-year-old was quick to complain about the decision publicly, even offering to fight for free if it would allow him back into the UFC. His efforts evidently fell on deaf ears, however, and he’ll need to put the work in outside of the Octagon to stake his claim for a new deal.

While the exact nature of the UFC’s decision remains undisclosed, Dana White did imply that “The Punisher” was difficult to work with, a sentiment shared by the matchmakers.

During an appearance on Wednesday’s episode of The Ariel Helwani Show on Uncrowned, Mokaev reflected on the UFC CEO’s remarks, admitting he’s still baffled by what he did wrong.

“Still today, I don’t understand the real situation,” Mokaev said. “Of course, there was a beef (with Kape) in the hotel and stuff, but I really don’t know. Maybe there’s a miscommunication between my team and UFC.

“I really don’t know. Like, difficult which way?” Mokaev said regarding White’s claim he was not an easy fighter to work with. “Seven fights under two years, four finishes, never pulled out from the fight, never missed weight.”

Post-UFC exit, Mokaev made his return to one of his former organizations, competing at Brave CF 91. After his original opponent withdrew, the Dagestan-born Brit shared the cage with replacement Joevincent So on two days’ notice last December.

“Chain” didn’t last long, falling by way of submission in under two minutes after being dragged down and locked in a D’arce choke.

It remains to be seen what the future holds for Mokaev, as well as the specifics of his contractual agreement with Brave CF.

Chael Sonnen Calls Francis Ngannou The Sole Obstacle To Jon Jones Superfight: “Dana’s Already Announced It’s Going To Happen…”

The former UFC middleweight and light heavyweight title challenger Chael Sonnen has defended UFC boss Dana White, claiming Francis Ngannou to be the roadblock in his highly-anticipated heavyweight clash with Jon Jones. Jones vs Ngannou has easily been one of the most talked-about MMA fights for a couple of years now. However, the deal never […]

Jones vs Ngannou has easily been one of the most talked-about MMA fights for a couple of years now. However, the deal never reached fruition and differences with White led to the-then UFC heavyweight champion leaving the promotion altogether.

Following his departure from the UFC, “The Predator” explored other opportunities such as boxing fight Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua. He also signed with the PFL, becoming their heavyweight champion by defeating Renan Ferreira.

Despite no plans to ever return to the UFC, Ngannou believes a superfight with Jones is still not off the table. In a recent interview, he claimed that Turki Al-Sheikh, the current Chairman of the General Entertainment Authority of Saudi Arabia, could intervene and convince White to cross-promote with the PFL for this bout.

However, Ngannou’s narrative that White is blocking the fight with Jones didn’t sit well with MMA fighter turned analyst Sonnen.

Here’s what Sonnen said while putting the blame on the former UFC heavyweight champ for avoiding the Jones fight:

“Poor Francis was in a world title fight, in the fight capital of the world, in the world’s biggest promotion, where he is going to headline. He was not the champion of the world. He wanted to be. He was going to be given that opportunity. Do you understand? Okay. Because it was at that time that it had already been announced by Dana White, this giant obstacle, that when Jon Jones returns to heavyweight, it will be for the belt. So now we don’t, now we don’t only have an obstacle, it doesn’t even fully have to do with Francis. Francis didn’t even have the belt. He was scheduled to fight Stipe, a fight that Francis had already lost. Like, we didn’t know who the champion was going to be, but whoever it was going to be, we were going to stick to the deal and the plan that when Jon comes up, Jon will contest with that person. It’s important that you understand that, because that one detail, in and of itself, that timeline excludes the possibility that Francis was being picked on. It was an open statement that Jon will contend whenever Jon comes back, if he ever comes back, right into a world title fight. That happened to be Francis. And what happened next? Jon came back. So now we have Jon, and we have Francis, and we’re going to get to see Jon versus Francis. People are talking about it. You’re talking about it. Dana’s already announced it’s going to happen.”

Sonnen, being the company-man he is, believes that White cannot be blamed at all for Ngannou and Jones not being able to settle their rivalry inside the Octagon.

Although Jones first fought at heavyweight after over a year of Ngannou’s last UFC outing, “The American Gangster” believes if “The Predator” had not parted ways with the UFC, he would’ve fought “Bones” instead of Ciryl Gane in March 2023.

“But somebody blinked. That somebody, I would view to be the obstacle in this equation. Do you agree? Because that somebody was not Dana White. That somebody was not Jon Jones. As a matter of fact, Dana White went through with the plan exactly as he had previously stated, which is that Jon went right into a title fight. And it’s important that you understand this, because Francis left. So to make believe now that you wanted to do something, when you were in a position to do it, and so now the only thing stopping this fight is Dana White.”

Ngannou is promising his fans worldwide a big comeback to combat sports. In boxing, he definitely can be a part of big fights like the Fury rematch or a possible showdown against the hard-hitting Deontay Wilder. In MMA, he’ll have the option to defend his title against the top heavyweight contenders in the promotion.

Why Dana White’s Silence Speaks Volume: Jon Jones vs. Tom Aspinall is a Done Deal According to UFC Legend

Former flyweight great Demetrious Johnson thinks Dana White’s silence speaks volumes. Ever since Jon Jones’ third-round knockout of Stipe…

Former flyweight great Demetrious Johnson thinks Dana White’s silence speaks volumes.

Ever since Jon Jones’ third-round knockout of Stipe Miocic in November, fight fans have been clamoring for a title unification clash between the undisputed heavyweight champion and Tom Aspinall, the UFC’s current interim heavyweight king.

Truth be told, fans were calling for that fight long before then, but with Jones’ business with Miocic finally in the books, there’s nothing stopping the UFC from making the champion vs. champion showdown a reality, other than guaranteeing ‘Bones’ a big fat payday for what could very well be the last fight of his UFC career.

But according to ‘Mighty Mouse,’ the UFC may already have Jones vs. Aspinall locked in.

During a recent interview with The MMA Guru, the former UFC and ONE flyweight world titleholder believes that Dana White’s unusual silence regarding the fight is a strong indication that the promotion already has a deal in place and is just taking its time to make the blockbuster announcement.

“Since Dana White hasn’t gone on, and nobody’s really asked about it, right? Usually, after each pay-per-view or each Fight Night, Dana White’s there, and they’re like, ‘Hey, you know, we haven’t seen any movement from Tom. What’s going on?’ Right? But nobody’s asked, so I think you’re onto something. I think it’s a done deal,” Johnson said.

After KOs Over Sergei Pavlovich and Curtis Blaydes, dana white Can no longer deny Tom Aspinall

After suffering a torn pectoral muscle that took him out of his previously scheduled clash with Moicic at UFC 295, the promotion quickly booked an interim heavyweight title fight between Aspinall and Russian knockout artist Sergei Pavlovich in the evening’s co-main event.

It only took Aspinall 69 seconds to send Pavlovich crashing to the canvas, scoring a quick-fire KO and claiming his first UFC gold.

Since then, Aspinall has defended the interim title, earning another stunning 60-second knockout over Curtis Blaydes at UFC 304 in July.

Watch: Australian Sky News Host Applauds Dana White for Ripping Australia’s ‘Weak’ Press

Sky News host Gabriella Power has voiced her support for UFC president Dana White’s recent criticism of the Australian…

Sky News host Gabriella Power has voiced her support for UFC president Dana White’s recent criticism of the Australian media. White’s comments were sparked by an opinion piece written by Sydney Morning Herald editor Bevan Shields, who described the UFC as a “repulsive circus” and White as an “enabler of hatred.”

Australian Sky News Host Backs Dana White’s Criticism of Australian Media

Becan Shields’ article criticized New South Wales Premier Chris Minns for appearing on a podcast with White, questioning the state government’s $16 million investment to host a UFC event. White responded to Shields’ piece during a press conference, stating, “I saw a story where the guy was like ‘I saw Dana do a podcast with the Premier and it physically made me sick’ – you guys must have the biggest bunch of p***ies of all time in the media here.”

Gabriella Power, Sky News anchor, echoes Dana White’s sentiment. She specifically targeted Shields’ article, suggesting it was an attack on the UFC, its fighters, and its leadership. “I don’t really understand what the point of Bon Shield’s article was other than to attack the UFC its boss and its Fighters but all it managed to achieve was embarrass Australia while it was on the world stage,” Power said on her show.

Power further criticized Shields for omitting key information in his article. She pointed to White’s statement on the podcast that female UFC fighters earn equal pay to their male counterparts, noting, “Funny how that didn’t get a mention in Bevan Shields article.” Power concluded that White’s assessment of the Australian media was justified, saying his criticism was “fair enough”.

The public response to the controversy has been divided, with some supporting Dana White’s defense of the UFC and others siding with Shields’ critique of the sport and its influence. The incident has ignited a broader conversation about media responsibility and the ethics of sports promotion.

“Species History” Decided? Tim Kennedy Endorses Dana White’s Jon Jones as Mankind’s GOAT “Anyone Else That has Ever Walked the Face of the Planet”

Former UFC fighter Tim Kennedy has thrown his support behind UFC President Dana White’s assessment of Jon Jones, firmly…

Former UFC fighter Tim Kennedy has thrown his support behind UFC President Dana White’s assessment of Jon Jones, firmly stating his belief that Jones is the greatest mixed martial artist of all time. Kennedy’s comments further fuel the ongoing debate surrounding Jones’s legacy and his place in the pantheon of MMA legends.

Jon Jones GOAT for all of Mankind

Jon Jones’s career has been marked by both unparalleled success and significant controversy. Dominating the light heavyweight division for years, Jones racked up an impressive record against some of the sport’s toughest competitors. His victories over the likes of Mauricio ‘Shogun’ Rua, Rashad Evans, Lyoto Machida, Quinton ‘Rampage’ Jackson, Vitor Belfort, and Daniel Cormier cemented his status as a dominant force in the UFC.

UFC President Dana White has been a long-time advocate for Jones, consistently ranking him as the pound-for-pound greatest. He recently defended this stance against claims that Islam Makhachev might be considered above Jones, stating that anyone holding such an opinion “shouldn’t be ranking in the pound-for-pound, or doing any of the (expletive) rankings ever if that’s what you really think.

Speaking on the Over Dogs Podcast, Tim Kennedy explained:

“I agree with Dana White in the history of this species I think Jon Jones… You lock Jon Jones in a room with Jon Jones anyone else that has ever walked the face of the planet and Jon Jones is going to walk out. We are living in a time with the best pugilist in the history of mankind.”

Tim Kennedy’s conviction leaves no room for doubt, highlighting the unparalleled skillset and fight IQ that he believes sets Jones apart.

While Jones’s legacy is complicated by issues outside the octagon, his in-cage achievements are undeniable. Fighters and analysts continue to debate his place in history, but with figures like Tim Kennedy echoing White’s sentiments, the argument for Jon Jones as the greatest of all time remains strong.

Dana White Reflects On When He Almost Sold The UFC: ‘I Thought It Was Over’

Like him or not, Dana White helping sell the UFC at over $4 billion and making it a part of TKO Group Holdings alongside WWE is one of the most remarkable business feats ever. He, along with his friends Lorenzo and Frank Fertitta, purchased the UFC for $2 million in 2001. The early 2000s were […]

The early 2000s were when when the company’s reputation was at an all-time low, and there were heavy losses due to it being banned from pay-per-view and TV networks.

However, White’s vision regarding this product, which was a far-fetched dream back then, now needs no introduction. UFC is the biggest MMA promotion in the world by far with a valuation of $11.3 billion in 2025. This has come after it survived several highs and lows for more than three decades.

In an interview with TodayShowAustralia ahead of UFC 312 in Sydney, White looked back at the time when he was close to folding the UFC for good.

“Oh, yeah, in the early days when we were just getting started, there’s no doubt about it, and then when you run a business and stuff happens every day that you don’t see coming and that you got to deal with. Even when we were strong, I mean we were sold in 16 and I want to say that it was probably 14, where like we had a whole year, every main event fell off with an injury and we had to deal with that. But the more bad c**p that gets thrown at you, the better you become.”

In another interview with Forbes, White and Lorenzo Fertitta shared the exact details of the day they nearly sold the UFC. As per Lorenzo, $30 million was sunk into running the business and because there were no returns, they weren’t left with many options.

Talking about it, Lorenzo says:

“Now people look back and they say, Oh! the UFC was overnight success and no, it wasn’t. Like, there were at least five years there, that were very difficult. We got to the point where we were just losing money, year after year, every event we were losing money and at the same time, fighters wanted to make more money, managers wanted more money. Everybody wanted wanted wanted.”

White, who was running the business as the CEO, describes this time similarly:

“So, one day, I was at the office and Lorenzo called me and he’s like, ‘I can’t keep doing this. Me and my brother can’t keep funding this thing. It’s getting bad so I need you to go out and see what you could sell this thing for’. I started making phone calls that day and at the end of the day I called him back and I said, ‘seven or eight million, could probably get seven or eight million for this thing in my opinion’.”

Luckily, for the UFC owners, selling the promotion didn’t feel like the best move at the time and they decided to keep running things for some time. For Lorenzo, it was as simple as this:

“So, literally went home, woke up the next morning, and just felt like it’s not the right thing to do.”

White explained his anxiety at the time as well:

“I thought it was over. And the next day, I’m driving to work and Lorenzo calls me and this is literally quote what he said, ‘f**k it, let’s keep going’.”

The UFC, as we know it, wasn’t sold during its dark ages and thanks to TUF Season 1, the boom finally happened and MMA is now one of the fastest growing sports in the world. Although the promotion’s monopoly in MMA is often criticized, it’s rise to the top is still inspirational for countless people.