Muhammad Mokaev blames TKO and Paramount for UFC exits
2 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Oct 19, 2026, 3:40 AM
Last updated Oct 19, 2026
Muhammad Mokaev expressed that he holds TKO and Paramount responsible for recent UFC roster decisions, rather than Dana White. After fighters on winning streaks, including Michael Page and Farid Basharat, were not offered renewed contracts, Mokaev criticized the organization’s lack of transparency. White suggested matchmaker issues might explain Basharat's departure, a claim Mokaev dismissed. He stated that behind-the-scenes problems and a grappling-heavy style contributed to his own UFC exit in July 2024. Mokaev’s comments were made following a postfight news conference at UFC Edmonton.
- •Mokaev blames TKO and Paramount for UFC roster decisions.
- •Michael Page and Farid Basharat were not re-signed despite strong records.
- •Dana White cited matchmaker issues for Basharat's departure.
- •Mokaev left the UFC after a victory in July 2024.
- •Mokaev previously criticized the UFC's handling of fighter contracts.
- 3:40 AMYahoo Sports — Muhammad Mokaev blames TKO & Paramount, not Dana White, for UFC exits
- 3:40 AMSherdog — Muhammad Mokaev blames TKO & Paramount, not Dana White, for UFC exits
"Muhammad Mokaev refuses to believe that Dana White inexplicably releases fighters from the Ultimate Fighting Championship.
"Muhammad Mokaev refuses to believe that Dana White inexplicably releases fighters from the Ultimate Fighting Championship.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsOct 19, 2026, 3:40 AMMuhammad Mokaev blames TKO & Paramount, not Dana White, for UFC exits
Muhammad Mokaev refuses to believe that Dana White inexplicably releases fighters from the Ultimate Fighting Championship.
- SherdogOct 19, 2026, 3:40 AMMuhammad Mokaev blames TKO & Paramount, not Dana White, for UFC exits
Muhammad Mokaev refuses to believe that Dana White inexplicably releases fighters from the Ultimate Fighting Championship.
Original reporting and copyright belong to the linked sources. SportsNewsReport.com aggregates and links — it does not republish full articles.
Related Stories
Last 14 days
UFC•Oct 19, 2026, 4:07 AMVideo shows police officer slamming spectator at UFC Edmonton
UFC•Oct 19, 2026, 3:56 AMJavid Basharat says brother learned of UFC exit with everyone else
UFC•Oct 19, 2026, 2:57 AM10 UFC wins, zero finishes: Movsar Evloev defends his fighting style
UFC•Oct 19, 2026, 2:44 AMUFC 336 Could Bring the Welterweight Division’s Biggest Names to Toronto for a Stacked Card
UFC•Oct 19, 2026, 2:28 AMJoaquin Buckley vows to livestream UFC comeback after 3 straight losses
UFC•Oct 19, 2026, 1:52 AMDana White Takes a Hilarious Dig at Sean Strickland After His Wild Canadian Adventure