Dana White Stuns MMA World with Brutal Cut of Undefeated Fighter

The UFC’s recent event in Manchester, UFC 304, ended in an unexpected twist when Dana White, the UFC President, abruptly announced his decision to cut an undefeated fighter, Mohammed Mokaev.

A Disappointing Night for White

UFC 304 had promised to be a grand spectacle, but White’s expectations were dashed as a majority of the fights ended up being decided by points. The highly anticipated main event between Belal Muhammad and Leon Edwards also failed to deliver the fireworks fans were hoping for, leaving White visibly frustrated.

Mokaev’s Lackluster Performance

Despite an acrimonious build-up to the fight, Mokaev’s encounter with Manel Kape proved to be a letdown. The fight had all the ingredients for a thrilling clash, but it failed to ignite and ended in a unanimous decision victory for Mokaev. White’s disappointment was evident, and it seemed to color his post-fight assessment.

Mokaev’s Contract Predicament

Prior to the fight, Mokaev had hinted that this would be his final bout under his current UFC contract. White’s announcement that Mokaev would likely join the Professional Fighters League (PFL) came as a surprise, given the fighter’s undefeated record and high ranking in the flyweight division.

White’s Reasoning

White explained that while Mokaev is a talented fighter, he has never been a favorite of the UFC matchmakers. He cited “many different reasons” for this, hinting at reported difficulties in dealing with the Dagestani fighter. White’s preference to let Mokaev join the PFL rather than re-sign him suggests that the rift between the two may have been too wide to bridge.

The Future of Mokaev

Mokaev’s departure from the UFC marks an unexpected turn of events. While the fighter’s style may have not aligned with White’s preferences, his undefeated record and high ranking suggest he has the potential to be a formidable competitor. It remains to be seen how his career will unfold in the PFL, but his talent and determination could still lead him to future success.

The Wider Implications

White’s abrupt cut of Mokaev raises questions about the UFC’s treatment of its fighters. The organization has a history of cutting fighters without explanation, and this decision further highlights the precarious nature of life as a professional MMA athlete. It is unclear whether this incident will damage the UFC’s reputation among fighters, but it certainly sends a message that no one is safe from the chopping block.