By FCF Staff

Although Dana White claimed UFC officials no longer want to work with Muhammad Mokaev, the accomplished flyweight believes he could return to the Octagon.

The UFC opted not to resign Mokaev (15-0) following his decision win over Manel Kape in July, 2024, even though the Daghestani-born fighter had gone 7 and 0 with the promotion. At the time, White claimed UFC personnel had complained about Mokaev’s attitude. The now 25-year-old flyweight had also made headlines for an altercation he had with Kape prior to their bout.

More recently, Kape spoke with Demetrious Johnson via the legend’s YouTube channel. While doing so, Kape reported he sees a pathway back to the UFC and a title fight with current flyweight champ, Alexandre Pantoja (quotes via MMA Junkie.com).

“I’ve been told, ‘Listen, you need to put performance and go out there and take risks if you want a new contract,'” Mokaev said. “It wasn’t about the (altercation with Kape) I did outside the hotel. It didn’t help, but it wasn’t the main reason. It was all bout the performance. I don’t think it’s fair because we’re martial arts, and I was 23 years old and 7-0 in the UFC. I can’t be the best Mokaev with flying knees every fight. Sometimes the fight can be ugly, depending on the opponent. I basically felt I was going to get cut.”

“I think I’m going to win a couple more fights, and I want to sit down with UFC and talk to them because I want to see what’s next for my career, and I believe there’s a chance for me to come back and take the belt,” Mokaev also reportedly said while talking to Johnson. “I’m not saying I’m going to run past Pantoja, Pantoja is one of the toughest opponents, but I have trained with him and I don’t see anything special.”

Since exiting the UFC, Kape has won two more bouts. Most recently, he recorded a decision win over Thomas Assis at a 971 Fighting Championship event in June.