The tension between Muhamad Mokayev and the Ultimate Fighting Championship has not improved.
Mokaev and Raul Rosas Jr. were scheduled to meet in a catchweight submission grappling match Friday in the main event of ADXC 6 at Mubadala Arena in Abu Dhabi. However, the match was canceled shortly after it was announced, with the promotion claiming it was due to “unforeseen circumstances.”
“Due to unforeseen circumstances, [Muhammad Mokaev] versus [Raul Rosas
Jr.]ADXC6 main event has been canceled! The show must go on,” ADXC wrote in a statement. “Stay tuned as a new grappling main event will be announced soon!”
Due to unforeseen circumstances, Muhamad Mokaev vs. Raul Rosas Jr. has been canceled.
#ADXC6 Main event! The show must go on 🔥 Stay tuned for a new grappling main event coming soon! 👀#ADXC6
#MubadalaArena pic.twitter.com/4KXq3aTaK6
— ADXC_official (@adxc_official)
October 21, 2024
Mokaev later blamed the UFC for the cancellation, accusing the promotion of not allowing “El Niño Problema” to compete.
“I have a lot of respect for [Raul Rosas Jr.]” Mokaev wrote in X. I pray for the soul of my brother! ”
I have a lot of respect for @raulrosasjr
Unfortunately the UFC didn’t let him compete.
I pray for the soul of my brother! pic.twitter.com/RuCV6Uo4mK
— Muhammad Mokaev (@muhammadmokaev)
October 21, 2024
Mokaev’s UFC contract expired after a unanimous decision victory over Manel Kape at UFC 304 in July of this year. Although there was a lot of drama leading up to the match, including multiple physical altercations between the two, the match was a fairly tepid affair. Mokaev’s contract was surprisingly not renewed after that, with Dana White blaming it on UFC brass’ disgust with the young Brit’s problematic behavior. The undefeated 24-year-old has since requested a return from the UFC numerous times, even offering him one free fight, to no avail.
Although the UFC does not allow fighters to compete in boxing during their contract, competing in grappling is a very common occurrence. If Mokaev’s statement that the UFC blocked him from fighting Rosas Jr. is correct, the promotion may still have issues with “The Punisher.” Meanwhile, Rosas Jr. extended his winning streak to three with a unanimous decision win over Aori Chiren at UFC 306 in September of this year.
