Muhammad Mokaev‘s career took a 360-degree turn after UFC 304 as he was released from the promotion despite being in the winning bracket and Steve Erceg appears to have applied salt to his already thumping wound. The former flyweight contender is preparing himself to face Kai Kara-France at UFC 305, however, it didn’t stop him from taking a dig at Mokaev.

When asked about Muhammad Mokaev’s sudden removal from the promotion, Erceg stated that he was surprised, “I was very surprised.“But, I think it’s like a cool little precedent to set. You can’t go around, not only start fights, jumping other fighters.” This statement by the #7th ranked fighter seems to have irked the former UFC fighter. Let us have a look at what Mokaev had to say in his defense.

Muhammad Mokaev clarifies mistreating UFC staff after grave accusations by Steve Erceg

The UFC gave a chance to Muhammad Mokaev to showcase more than just his Dagestani wrestling-heavy style in order to stay in the promotion but it appears that the fighter failed to impress the top brass. Regardless, after the hubbub, a revelation came out from Erceg that shocked the MMA community. What’s that? Well, the former flyweight contender accused Mokaev of behaving badly with the UFC staff.  “I think. And then the way he treats people, I don’t know if fans get to see it, but I know he just seems like he’s a little entitled and thinks he’s very important, which I don’t particularly like. And obviously the UFC didn’t like,” said Erceg in a conversation with MiddleEasy.

Immediately after UFC 304, the promotion took the initiative to remove his name from the ranking list as well as issued a circular to remove his name from UFC. Erceg’s statement was shared on social media and it got the attention of Chase Hopper, who said, “Like I mentioned before I’ve never had a single negative experience dealing with UFC staff. They’ve always went well out of their way to be polite and helpful, especially when you consider how much some of them have to travel. They’re all great from my experience and treating them poorly is definitely a reason why UFC might not keep you.”

These were some grave accusations for Muhammad Mokaev. However, he took to the comments section of Hooper’s X post to make sure that he was right. The British-Dagestani wrote, “Not true bro, when you around ufc nutrition staff , ask and let us know Because this guy chatting sh*t I have a lot of respect to staff at backstage.”

Dana White wished him luck for his future ventures at PFL but even the PFL CEO, Ray Sefo stated that they are not considering taking in Mokaev as a fighter. Regardless, when the entire UFC community is divided over the topic, Tom Aspinall has come forward to take his stance on this debate.

Tom Aspinall is sympathetic toward Mokaev’s helplessness

The Mokaev controversy took the entire UFC roster into a rollercoaster ride. Why? Because its the testament of the UFC that they would not tolerate harsh behavior even if you are an undefeated fighter. Days have passed since the hubbub and Tom Aspinall has come forward to give his two cents on this topic. While having a conversation with Carl Froch on YouTube, the UFC interim heavyweight champion of the world stated that it was a “Shame” that the promotion had to let go of such a fighter.

He further added, “This has happened before, all this beef in the hotel… it’s not the first time so I think it’s a bit unfair on him just to kick him out indefinitely.” Regardless, after rejection from the PFL, Mokaev now has ONE Championship to look forward to. The British Dagestani will be looking forward to fighting once again but when and where? That’s the question.

What’s your take on the latest controversy? State your thoughts in the comments below.