Steve Erceg on Mokaev’s UFC Exit
Steve Erceg said he felt for Muhammad Mokaev after the UFC chose not to renew the flyweight’s contract in July 2024, but added that he believed Mokaev had “done it to himself.” Erceg’s comments were his personal view of the split; the UFC did not publicly confirm his account of Mokaev’s conduct as the reason for its decision.
The contract ended after UFC 304
Mokaev beat Manel Kape by unanimous decision at UFC 304 on July 27, finishing his UFC contract with a 7-0 Octagon record. UFC CEO Dana White then said the promotion would not re-sign him. Mokaev remained undefeated overall and publicly said he hoped the UFC would reconsider, while his manager disputed reports that the exit was tied to a backstage altercation with Kape.
Erceg’s assessment was personal
Before UFC 305, Erceg told reporters he had observed what he regarded as disrespectful behavior toward members of the UFC’s nutrition staff and said Mokaev’s actions had contributed to the outcome. Those were Erceg’s allegations and interpretation, not an independently established account of the UFC’s internal decision-making. Mokaev disputed claims about the Kape incident and continued to express interest in returning to the promotion.
Mokaev moved on to BRAVE CF
In August 2024, Mokaev signed again with BRAVE Combat Federation, the promotion where he had competed before joining the UFC. The move gave the undefeated flyweight a new home after the contract split, while leaving the precise reasons for the UFC’s choice a matter of public debate. For the wider UFC division, his departure removed a highly ranked contender from the immediate title picture.
Sources: MMA Weekly on Erceg’s comments; MMA Fighting on Mokaev’s response; UFC 304 official result; MMA Fighting on his BRAVE CF signing.
Sources
Tags: MMA
