Dana White is often tired, tame and generic with his post-fight comments following a big pay-per-view event, holding his opinions close to his chest.
The UFC president did not mince words when speaking about undefeated flyweight Muhammad Mokaev who defeated Manel Kape by unanimous decision at the UFC 304 prelims in what was the final fight of his UFC contract.
Mokaev, 23, called for a title shot and a new deal after improving to 7-0 in the UFC thanks to his third consecutive win over a ranked opponent.
It doesn’t appear likely that will happen. In fact, it sounds like Mokaev’s next fight will take place outside the UFC altogether.
The Dagestan native who lives in England fights with a conservative approach and usually holds a wrestling advantage. His recent performances, albeit against strong competition, have not been fan-friendly or overly impressive.
“The matchmakers aren’t big fans of his for many different reasons,” White told reporters early Sunday. “There’s a lot of people who shoot takedowns in this business, a lot of guys that fight with that type of style, but it’s a lot more than just that.”
Mokaev and Kape reportedly had a physical altercation at the UFC Performance Institute earlier this year that spilled over into fight week when they had another incident at the fighter hotel two days before their matchup.
The pair needed to be separated at Friday’s ceremonial weigh-ins and in the cage seconds before the bout began yet when they were actually permitted to fight neither did much.
Mokaev only landed 30 significant strikes in the 15-minute contest at a connection rate of 36 per cent. Kape also sustained a toe injury early in the second round, an advantage Mokaev could not capitalize on.
“I think the PFL’s going to get a great undefeated guy,” White added coldly while confirming Mokaev is no longer under contract with the organization. “Good luck to him.”