Mokaev’s UFC Departure Was Followed by a BRAVE CF Return
Muhammad Mokaev left UFC after his contract-ending victory over Manel Kape on July 27, 2024. Less than a month later, BRAVE Combat Federation confirmed that the unbeaten flyweight had signed to return to the promotion where his professional career began.
A win without a new agreement
Mokaev defeated Kape by unanimous decision at UFC 304 in Manchester. The judges returned 29–28, 29–28 and 30–27, completing a seventh consecutive UFC victory.
Mokaev said his contract had expired and indicated that he wanted a new agreement. Dana White instead announced that the UFC would not re-sign him, referring to several concerns involving the matchmakers and incidents outside competition.
The explanations remained attributed
White said the decision involved more than Mokaev’s wrestling style. His comments explained the promotion’s position, while Mokaev’s winning record continued to stand independently of the contract announcement.
BRAVE CF president Mohammad Shahid subsequently defended Mokaev and welcomed his return. The new signing offered a concrete destination after the uncertainty surrounding the end of the UFC stint.
A familiar organization awaited
BRAVE CF officials confirmed the agreement on August 24, 2024. Mokaev had previously competed five times for the organization, recording four wins and one no contest before his move to UFC.
He had begun his professional career with BRAVE CF in 2020. Returning there connected the next stage of his career with its starting point after a seven-fight UFC campaign in which every appearance had ended in victory.
Sources
- MMA Fighting: contract expiry and White’s explanation
- MMA Fighting: confirmed BRAVE agreement and earlier promotional record
- BRAVE CF: professional debut year and five earlier appearances
