Mokaev Alleges UFC Pressures Fighters Against Wrestling Styles

Muhammad Mokaev has alleged that the UFC is pressuring fighters to stop using wrestling-based techniques, warning them that failure to comply could result in losing their positions on the roster.

The unbeaten flyweight, whose contract was not renewed after a victory in July 2024, shared on social media that some fighters received calls from UFC executives regarding their grappling-heavy styles. Mokaev questioned the ethical implications of such pressure on competition.

His comments followed the exit of bantamweight Farid Basharat, who left the UFC with a perfect 7-0 record but was not offered a new contract. UFC CEO Dana White suggested that issues with matchmakers or declined bouts might explain some contract non-renewals, though he did not specifically mention Basharat's case. Mokaev criticized the promotion for potentially damaging the reputations of departing fighters by labeling them as difficult to work with.