Muhammad Mokaev blames TKO & Paramount, not Dana White, for UFC exits

Muhammad Mokaev has placed blame on TKO and Paramount for the UFC's recent roster decisions, distancing himself from CEO Dana White's perspective. The UFC has attracted scrutiny for failing to renew contracts of fighters on winning streaks. Mokaev, who departed from the UFC with a similar circumstance, maintains that the parent company and its broadcast partner are at fault for the most recent departures.

Mokaev's departure from the UFC occurred over two years ago. Michael Page and Farid Basharat were among those not given new contracts despite having impressive records of 5-1 and 7-0, respectively. Dana White's remarks on Basharat's departure prompted Mokaev's response. At the UFC Edmonton post-fight news conference, White suggested that difficulties with matchmakers or canceled matches might explain why an unbeaten fighter was not re-signed, without naming a specific incident involving Basharat.

Mokaev rejected this explanation and instead held TKO and Paramount accountable. "They can't give a reason. All they can say is 'the matchmakers can't handle him.' Pure nonsense answer. But I don't blame Dana, I blame Paramount and TKO," Mokaev expressed on X. Mokaev concluded his UFC contract with a win over Manel Kape in July 2024, raising his record to 7-0 in the promotion before it declined to re-sign him.

White cited behind-the-scenes problems at the time, while Mokaev alleged that matchmakers had cautioned him about his grappling-focused fighting style.