UFC flyweight Muhammad Mokaev appears keen to make the most of some controversial leniency from mixed martial arts referees.
Mokaev was among the most talked about fighters leading into this past weekend's UFC 304 pay-per-view event in Manchester, England — and in the aftermath.
The Dagestan-born Brit appeared on the preliminary card, sharing the Octagon with Manel Kape. While relegated from the main card, the matchup was among the most anticipated in the lead-up to the numbered event.
But despite the pair's apparent bad blood, fueled by multiple altercations during fight week, the bout fell flat. "The Punisher" ultimately had his hand raised on the scorecards, but the manner of victory left Mokaev as the subject of criticism.
In addition to that being down to the low-volume and entertainment nature of the fight, the 23-year-old also raised eyebrows with one particular tactic he employed on the ground. After taking Kape down in the first round, the Brit blatantly pulled "Starboy's" shorts.
Many have suggested Mokaev was fortunate to escape without losing a point, but the man himself seemingly has no regrets, insisting he'll use whatever warnings he has in the chamber to stretch the rules...
Mokaev On UFC 304 Fouling: 'I Have To Take Every Single Opportunity'
During a backstage interview in Manchester with Caroline Pearce for TNT Sports, Mokaev reflected on his victory over Kape and some of the controversy surrounding it.
In his first post-fight statement on social media, the Angola-born Portuguese flyweight slammed Mokaev for the pull of his shots, as well as multiple other fouls he believes went against him.
The topic of how referees enforce the rules has long been a prominent one, with frequent fouls such as fence grabs going unpunished and met with a multitude of verbal warnings.
Mokaev, though, appeared to share a 'if you're not cheating, you're not trying' mantra.
It's a fight, yeah? You grab, do everything you can to win a fight," Mokaev said. "There's a reason we've got the warnings. I'll do everything. I am young, I have to take every single opportunity in the Octagon. I know sometimes stuff doesn't look (good), but I'll do what I can.
Unfortunately for Mokaev, his performance and conduct in Manchester evidently didn't impress the UFC, with Dana White revealing during the UFC 304 post-fight press conference that the promotion wouldn't be re-signing the flyweight up-and-comer.
It remains to be seen what lies in the future of "The Punisher," who told TNT Sports in the aftermath of his win that he was hoping to be sent a new contract ahead of a possible title shot against Alexandre Pantoja.
It now appears that he'll have to adjust his sights to a championship elsewhere.
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