The former flyweight contender was cut from the UFC, leaving their relationship on bad terms.
In 2022, the UFC signed soaring flyweight prospect Muhammad Mokaev to the promotion, with him coming into the premier promotion with a lot of hype around his name.
After a blistering start, ‘The Punisher’ quickly became a contender in the 125lb division with six impressive wins in a row.
However, despite a win over Manel Kape in 2024, it was announced that Mokaev had been shockingly cut by the promotion.
Mokaev offered title shot in UFC BJJ
After he was cut by the UFC, the boss Dana White came out and explained that he was advised to do so by his matchmakers, claiming that Mokaev was a handful to deal with behind the scenes.
Since then, though, the 25-year-old has continued to show his class inside the cage, going on to win three MMA fights, reclaiming the BRAVE CF flyweight title.
Although he was cut by the UFC, fans still hold out hope that Mokaev will some day make it back to the premier MMA promotion.
And now, ‘The Punisher’ could have his path forged out for him, as he announced this Monday evening that he has been offered a chance to compete in their BJJ promotion, UFC BJJ.
Last June, the UFC launched their BJJ promotion from the Meta Apex, headlined by a UBJJ title fight between Mikey Musumeci and Rerisson Gabriel.
After winning the title, Musumeci went on to defend it just a few months later, and he is now set to defend his title against Shay Montague at UFC BJJ 5 scheduled for February 12.
However, Mokaev said on X: “I have been offered to compete against Mikey Musumeci for the UFC BJJ belt. What do you guys think?”
It is unclear as of now whether Mokaev is claiming he has been offered a title shot for this coming Thursday or for after.
Photo by Ben Roberts Photo/Getty Images
Could this be a path for Mokaev to rejoin the UFC?
Ultimately, the 25-year-old is still hopeful of turning his relationship with the UFC around, in hopes of once again competing under their banner.
And so this seems like the perfect opportunity for Mokaev to show the promotion that he has changed for the better.
2026-02-10 04:00:00
