Muhammad Mokaev answers Dana White's challenge in push for UFC return

Muhammad Mokaev is campaigning for a return to the Ultimate Fighting Championship.

Mokaev (17-0) recently took to social media to remind UFC CEO Dana White of a challenge the latter issued following the former’s controversial exit from the promotion. The unbeaten flyweight has racked up several wins across different disciplines since leaving the UFC in 2024 and now wants another shot in the premier mixed martial arts organization.

Muhammad Mokaev points to championships outside the UFC in message to Dana White
Mokaev recently added yet another win to his resume with a decision victory over Moris Boleian to claim ACBJJ’s 60kg division title. He has won four MMA fights since departing the UFC, capturing the Brave CF flyweight championship in November before picking up another finish in the Spanish promotion, WOW. He has also competed in Karate Combat last year, securing a second-round stoppage victory.

After his jiu-jitsu win over Boleian at ACBJJ 22 in Istanbul, Turkey, Mokaev posted a video on X tagging White while making his case for a UFC return.

“Today I became ACB jiu-jitsu champion,” Mokaev said. “Thank you so much for the support. Dana said two years ago, ‘he can become champion somewhere else.’ Yes, I became Brave CF champion. I became ACB jiu-jitsu champion. I won five fights, four finishes within two years, staying busy, staying active and showing the world why I’m the best flyweight in the world. Taking over 125 division outside of UFC and I’m going to keep grinding. I’m still 26.”

The UFC’s decision not to renew Mokaev’s contract two years ago drew criticism, with the undefeated 125-pounder being a top-ranked contender. Mokaev’s lackluster win over Manel Kape, after several heated run-ins before the fight, didn’t sit well with the UFC brass at the time.

🥇 🌍 @danawhitepic.twitter.com/l94fX7bAIL— Muhammad Mokaev (@muhammadmokaev) August 31, 2026