Muhammad Mokaev's UFC departure may have seen his title ambitions on MMA's biggest stage take a hit, but the same seemingly can't be said for his bank account…
Mokaev surprisingly found himself outside of the sport's leading promotion shortly after his latest win at UFC 304 in Manchester this past July. In a lackluster affair, the Dagestan-born Brit outpointed Manel Kape to move to 13-0 as a pro and 7-0 in the UFC.
With a victory over "Starboy," Mokaev was anticipating a potential title shot. But seemingly owing to his conduct behind the scenes, "The Punisher" was instead let go after fighting out his contract.
The 24-year-old was quick to complain about the decision publicly, even offering to fight for free if it would allow him back into the UFC. His efforts evidently fell on deaf ears, however, and he'll need to put the work in outside of the Octagon to stake his claim for a new deal.
And while he goes to work in a bid to show his worth to Dana White and co., he'll apparently be collecting increased purses along the way...
Mokaev Banking More After UFC Exit, Brave CF Re-Signing
Mokaev's attempt to impress the UFC higher-ups and force a re-signing will come in familiar surroundings, as he's returned to the promotion he competed in prior to joining MMA's top organization, Brave CF.
And while responding to a fan on social media recently, the elite flyweight claimed he's receiving three times as much pay in the Middle East-based promotion as he did under the UFC banner.
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Mokaev later commented publicly himself, claiming to be the "highest paid flyweight fighter in the world" in a social media post.
Despite the lucrative position he's seemingly found himself in, however, "The Punisher" reiterated that his goal remains a return to the UFC.
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"Highest paid flyweight fighter in the world right now without holding the title @bravemmaf But of course my goal is come back to UFC because it is the number 1 promotion in the world right now!"
It remains to be seen when Mokaev will return to action in his new promotion, and whether a strong run of results there could re-open the door back to the UFC and the flyweight gold currently held by Alexandre Pantoja.