In Dana White’s three decades at the UFC, few fighters have tested the patience of the UFC CEO quite like undefeated flyweight star Muhammad Mokaev. The 25-year-old prodigy from Dagestan, unlike many of his compatriots, carried a mischievous edge and conflicting traits that stirred tension within the promotion. After UFC 304 last year, despite Mokaev’s decisive victory over Manel Kape, Dana White released him and chose not to re-sign the rising Dagestani talent. Over the course of seven UFC fights, ‘The Punisher’ occasionally asked White to reconsider.

Yet the message from the top remained unwavering: “It is what it is.” While Dana White remained steadfast in his decision and clarified that he had no role in Mokaev’s departure, the UFC CEO placed the blame on matchmakers. As a result, the setback forced ‘The Punisher’ to pause, recalibrate, and return to the Middle East circuit where he first honed his skills—a detour that tempered his momentum but did not extinguish his fire. Now, after months away from the spotlight, Muhammad Mokaev has returned to action, ready to reclaim his place among the sport’s elite.

Rising MMA star Muhammad Mokaev set to make Brave FC comeback

Five years ago, Muhammad Mokaev made his professional MMA debut with the Bahrain-based Brave CF, quickly carving out a reputation as an unstoppable, undefeated prospect. Now, he is gearing up for his third fight since leaving the UFC, set to face Gerard Burns for the inaugural BCF Flyweight Championship. Italian reporter Al Zullino shared the update on X: “Per press release, unbeaten ex-UFC Muhammad Mokaev (14-0, 1 no contest) returns to action as he faces Ireland’s own Gerard Burns (7-1) for the inaugural BRAVE CF Flyweight belt at BRAVE 100 on November 7, in Isa Town, Bahrain.”

Since parting ways with the UFC, Mokaev has not limited himself to MMA alone. He has displayed his skills across grappling and karate, turning heads—including those of the UFC brass. Still, Dana White & UFC officials have largely overlooked him, even as he occasionally ignites speculation about a potential return with claims such as, “I am currently negotiating with the UFC.” At the same time, according to the Russian star, the path back to the organization has not been straightforward.

Earlier this year, he hinted at a UFC comeback, revealing a private conversation with Hunter Campbell. In that discussion, Hunter reportedly told him, “I just need to spend 1-2 fights outside the organization and we will resubscribe you.” Later, rumors claimed that the UFC was prepared to welcome Muhammad Mokaev back through the DWCS, but he reportedly rejected the opportunity. That decision dashed hopes of reintegrating him into the flyweight division, which currently revolves around reigning champion Alexandre Pantoja. The promotion has struggled to cultivate fresh talent for the division, with attempts to build a deep pipeline largely falling short.

‘The Punisher’ gives Dana White an opportunity to bring him back to the Octagon

Dana White has often expressed frustration with Muhammad Mokaev, yet for the Dagestani star, White remains a formidable figure—someone who looks out for fighters behind the scenes. White has maintained that the UFC did not release ‘The Punisher’ to protect the flyweight division, which he feared could stagnate under the weight of Mokaev’s wrestling-heavy style. Meanwhile, rumors of Mokaev’s UFC return continue to ripple through the MMA world.

The UFC flyweight division has been lacking fresh talent. However, Mokaev extended a hand to Dana White—in a candid interview, he offered to help revitalize the division. Last year, the promotion introduced former Rizin bantamweight champion Kai Asakura, but Alexandre Pantoja quickly shut down the challenge, asserting his dominance in the division. Now, amid this uncertainty, Muhammad Mokaev has once again entered the conversation.

Speaking to The National following his recent win over Tomas Assis at 971 FC 2, Muhammad Mokaev said: “I believe I am the only one who can beat Pantoja in that division. I always train and am ready to go, maybe I just cut down on burgers and fizzy drinks, the rest I do the same wherever I am, in the UFC… My main goal is to become the best in the world in my weight category. Right now, I face some adversity in my career but winning the [UFC] belt will taste much better.”

With Mokaev’s return to the spotlight, questions loom over the UFC flyweight division. Could the Dagestani prodigy end Alexandre Pantoja’s reign? And should the promotion bring him back into the UFC fold? Share your thoughts in the comments below.