McGregor backs UFC’s decision to release Mokaev

The UFC’s decision to part ways with Muhammad Mokaev has ignited a firestorm of debate among fans, but Conor McGregor believes the MMA promotion made the right call in doing so.

Mokaev has won seven fights in a row and conquered some heavy-hitters in the business, yet he could not convince UFC to extend his contract.

‘The Punisher’ thinks the promotion is not a fan of the Englishman’s fighting style, but UFC CEO Dana White made it clear that he got the boot because of his out-of-cage misconduct.

White revealed after UFC 304 that his organisation is not considering handing Mokaev a new deal.

“The matchmakers aren’t big fans of his for many different reasons and not just takedowns… It’s a lot more than just that,” he said.

The UFC boss also hinted at the 24-year-old’s next possible destination.

“He is not under contract anymore, I think the PFL is going to get a great, undefeated guy,” he declared.

McGregor weighed in on the controversy by commenting on a clip announcing Mokaev’s release.

“They can have him,” the Irishman said.

Earlier, Mokaev claimed his refusal to change his fighting style led to the premature end of his UFC career.

“They said they’re going to see how I perform,” he said after his decision win against Manel Kape in UFC 304.

“They don’t want to see me keep shooting and taking somebody down, but I’ve done what I could do with, like, tonight.

“They don’t like this.”

When is McGregor fighting next?

McGregor has reiterated his commitment to facing Michael Chandler this year following discussion with White.

There have been talks about the highly anticipated fight between these two fighters over the last 18 months.

UFC originally sanctioned the fight for UFC 303 in June 2024, but McGregor’s toe injury led to a forced cancellation.

McGregor feels optimistic that he will regain fitness by August or September, but White believes November is a more realistic possibility.

Before the fight was postponed, Chandler was the marginal favourite across UFC bookmakers.

The former Bellator lightweight champion was at -117.65 to win, while McGregor was at -102.04.

McGregor is a UFC legend who became the first fighter in the promotion’s history to hold belts in two different weight classes.

However, the Irishman has not brought his top level to the octagon for several years now.

McGregor has lost three of his last four fights, including back-to-back defeats against Dustin Poirier.

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