It doesn't appear that the PFL higher-ups are on the same page when it comes to undefeated flyweight Muhammad Mokaev.
Prior to the UFC 304 pay-per-view event in Manchester last month, Mokaev appeared to be in prime position to secure a shot at Alexandre Pantoja's 125-pound gold. Many suggested all that was required was a victory over Manel Kape at the Co-op Live.
After a dramatic fight week that included him sucker-punching his opponent outside a hotel, "The Punisher" had his hand raised in a three-round fight that certainly underdelivered given the pair's apparent animosity.
Mokaev was the subject of plenty of criticism online for his fight style, but the bad news didn't end there for the 23-year-old, with UFC CEO Dana White surprising many by revealing the promotion wouldn't be offering the Dagestan-born Brit a new contract.
White cited antics behind the scenes that rubbed Hunter Campbell and the matchmakers the wrong way as the reason behind letting Mokaev go, and it initially appeared that the Professional Fighters League had been put off by that.
Following the PFL 7 Playoffs card on August 3, company president Ray Sefo was asked whether his promotion was entertaining the idea of pursuing Mokaev's signature.
I’ve spoken to people in the know and, apparently, he’s just a pain in the ass to deal with," Sefo said. "And so, no, we’re not interested.
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That sentiment appeared to be backed up by ex-Bellator matchmaker Mike Kogan, who was among those who crossed over to the PFL following the promotion's acquisition of his former employer.
Kogan refuted Mokaev's claims that discussions had been had, insisting that nobody at the PFL had shown "even an oz of interest."
But one man does appear interested — the PFL CEO, no less...
Peter Murray Sees 'Opportunity' With Muhammad Mokaev After UFC Exit
Peter Murray recently spoke with Sherdog ahead of the PFL's press conference for Francis Ngannou vs. Renan Ferreira and final playoff event at The Anthem in Washington D.C. this week.
The promotion's CEO discussed his desire to open up more divisions for future PFL seasons, including a flyweight class. And in terms of who could spearhead a 125-pound roster down, Murray pointed to a talent virtually branded persona non grata by his fellow PFL executives.
I do think the flyweight category is something we will be getting into in the future," Murray said. "I know our guys are looking at it. You look at fighters like Muhammad Mokaev; he’s a 13-0 flyweight from Dagestan. This kid has the second-longest winning streak in UFC flyweight history. He was 23-0 as an amateur. When I look at a kid like that, that’s an opportunity.
Whether it’s Muhammad coming into the PFL system in one of our franchises, whether that be the global season or Bellator, and others like him, I think it’s a real opportunity — in particular with international talent in the flyweight weight class," Murray continued. "Muhammad is the real deal; a lot of respect for him.
Donn Davis, you got a third answer to the Mokaev question?
It didn't take long for Mokaev to take notice of Murray's positive comments, seemingly enjoying seeing Sefo's dismissive remarks quickly contradicted.
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