“I guess you can look back now and regret it, but you did it, and you put yourself in this position.” Those were Dana White’s blunt words in August 2024, when asked why the UFC let go of one of its brightest, unbeaten stars, Muhammad Mokaev. The 13-0 flyweight had just defeated Manel Kape in a fiery showdown at UFC 304, but the win did little to save his spot on the roster.

And just like that, Mokaev was out of the promotion.  Then, adding to the turmoil in his life, a car crash shook his world even more. But from that chaos came something no one expected, a quiet, unexplained gesture from the same man who had publicly called him out.

Muhammad Mokaev pays respect to Dana White for coming to his aid after abrupt UFC exit

According to a recent post on Instagram by ‘MMA Fighting’, former heavyweight champ Cain Velasquez revealed that UFC boss Dana White personally paid his $1 million bail after a long, emotionally charged legal battle. The gesture lit up social media with equal parts shock and admiration. But it was a quiet comment below that post that added a surprising new chapter to White’s complex legacy.

Muhammad Mokaev wrote in the comments section, “When I had car crash after being cut from UFC I received some money from Dana too, not sure what for but it meant a lot to me.” The revelation stunned the MMA world. A UFC exit followed by a car crash, and yet, in the middle of it, the UFC head honcho sent him money. No explanation. No spotlight. Just a quiet gesture. And that’s what makes the moment stand out.

To understand how strange this is, let’s rewind.  After UFC 304, Mokaev had the world in his hands. He beat Manel Kape in a heated grudge match. But behind the scenes? Things went south. The UFC brass, particularly the matchmakers and UFC exec Hunter Campbell, reportedly weren’t pleased.

As Dana White confessed, “He’s just a guy that did everything wrong and p—- these guys off. I wasn’t involved in any of the stuff that happened with him. But you know, the matchmakers and Hunter (Campbell) were, and they weren’t happy with him.”

So, when the UFC chose not to re-sign him, fans chalked it up to bad blood. But now, that story has a twist. Why would the same man who didn’t stop Muhammad Mokaev from being cut turn around and quietly offer him financial help? It’s easy to judge Dana White by his pressers and viral clips. But these subtle moments paint a more complicated picture. Love him or hate him, the UFC boss doesn’t fit neatly into any box. And maybe that’s what keeps people guessing.

As for Mokaev? He’s continuing his journey outside the UFC but make no mistake, he’s still aiming to return to the Octagon and continue his quest to capture the elusive UFC gold!

‘The Punisher’ has his crosshairs set on UFC return against Alexandre Pantoja

On June 14, Muhammad Mokaev will be stepping back into the world of mixed martial arts. At 971 FC, he’ll be taking on Alisher Gabdulin at the Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai. The mission? Deliver a performance that makes his return to the UFC undeniable. Fresh off a highlight-reel knockout at Karate Combat 54, ‘The Punisher’ wants to prove he’s not just a wrestler. His hands are catching up to his ground game. And with Bellator vets James Gallagher and Kane Mousah on the same card, the spotlight will be blazing.

In a recent conversation with ‘Bloody Elbow’, he confessed, “I believe I just need to put in a striking performance and win by spectacular finish, and people have already started talking about how I need to come back to the UFC. Of course, my dream is to become the best in the world.”

His dream? The same as before. UFC gold. The target? Current flyweight champ Alexandre Pantoja. Mokaev further shared, “Pantoja is 36 years old, I’m 24, I’m in my peak. Remember, I was beating guys who were in their peak while I was 22. Now, I’m feeling much stronger, much better.”

As Mokaev sharpens his weapons for battle in Dubai, one thing is clear: this saga is far from over. After all, in this sport, rivalries shift, narratives flip, and the Octagon always welcomes a comeback. So here’s the real question: If Muhammad Mokaev delivers a show-stealer in Dubai, will the UFC finally open the door again? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!