The UFC is facing criticism online after releasing undefeated bantamweight Farid Basharat. The shocking release prompted former ranked flyweight Muhammad Mokaev to call out the promotion.
When asked about the decision, UFC CEO Dana White defended the move, stating that if an undefeated fighter is let go, “there is definitely a reason.” But many see the release as part of a broader shift in the UFC’s business model as the promotion rewards fighters who get flashy finishes and cuts those who rely on a grinding, wrestling-heavy style.
Mokaev, who went through the same process when the UFC dropped him during an undefeated streak, recently challenged the practice.
Muhammad Mokaev Accuses UFC of Steering Fight Styles Before Cuts
Mokaev, who left the UFC in July 2024, posted his reaction on X as Basharat’s exit made headlines. He argued that warning wrestlers about their approach amounts to dictating how they fight.
He penned, “When fighters are getting phone calls from bosses telling them, ‘If you keep wrestling like that, you’re going to get cut,’ then you’re basically telling fighters how you want them to fight. At what point does that cross the line? Isn’t that influencing the competition? And if you want to release a fighter, fine. But don’t then publicly say he was ‘hard to deal with’ or create some bullsh*t narrative about him that could damage his reputation and make other organizations think twice about signing him. Release fighters if you want. Just don’t try to damage their careers on the way out.”
Muhammad Mokaev calls out the UFC for “creating bullsh*t narratives” about fighters before releasing them 😳
“At what point does that cross the line? Isn’t that influencing the competition?
If you want to release a fighter, fine. But don’t then publicly say he was “hard to deal with” or create some bullshit narrative about him that could damage his reputation and make other organizations think twice about signing him.”
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) October 20, 2026
Mokaev went 7-0 in the UFC. He beat Manel Kape by unanimous decision at UFC 304 in Manchester on July 27, 2024, entering the bout ranked sixth in the flyweight division. A chaotic fight week saw the two athletes brawl at the host hotel and require separation by security at the ceremonial weigh-ins.
Following the victory, White announced the promotion would not renew Mokaev’s contract, stating, “The matchmakers aren’t big fans of his for many different reasons, and not just because [of his fighting style]… there’s a lot of people who shoot takedowns in this business. There are a lot of guys that fight with that type of style, but it’s a lot more than just that. He’s not under contract anymore. I think the PFL is going to get a great, undefeated guy. Good luck to him.”
“I think the PFL’s going to get a great undefeated guy. Good luck to him.”
Dana White says farewell to free agent Muhammad Mokaev after #UFC304 😳 https://t.co/PlNzdlmLYB
— MMA Junkie (@MMAJunkie) July 28, 2024
The UFC removed Mokaev from the rankings shortly after, and PFL executive Ray Sefo later mentioned hearing that Mokaev was a “pain in the ass to deal with.” Mokaev later countered to MMA Fighting, pointing out that the UFC would not have kept him around for seven consecutive fights if he were truly that difficult to manage.
Since his departure, Mokaev has rebuilt his career on the regional circuit with promotions like BRAVE CF, pushing his undefeated professional record to 17-0 (1 NC). While the UFC has not offered a public explanation for Farid’s exit, his undefeated record and wrestling-heavy profile mirror Mokaev’s situation.
Months before letting Farid go, the UFC also removed his older brother, Javid, from the promotion in February. Javid has since moved to the PFL after Dana White’s organization chose not to renew his contract. While Farid has not made a decision on his next home yet, it remains to be seen if he will follow in his brother’s footsteps.
