Mokaev pins UFC roster cuts on TKO and Paramount, not Dana White

The flyweight’s comments came in response to White’s remarks at the UFC Edmonton post-fight press conference, where the CEO suggested that difficulties with matchmakers or declined bouts could explain why unbeaten fighter Farid Basharat was not offered a new contract — without citing a specific incident. Mokaev, who experienced a near-identical exit himself, was unconvinced.

“They can’t give a reason. Only thing they gotta say is ‘the matchmakers can’t deal with him.’ Total bullsh*t answer. Still I don’t blame Dana, I blame Paramount and TKO,” Mokaev wrote on X.

Basharat is not the only recent case drawing scrutiny. Michael Page was also released despite a promotional record of 5-1, while Basharat departed at 7-0. The pattern has drawn widespread criticism from fighters and fans who argue the UFC is cutting talent on winning streaks without transparent justification.

Mokaev’s own UFC tenure ended under strikingly similar circumstances. He finished his contract with a victory over Manel Kape in July 2024, leaving the promotion at 7-0 before the UFC declined to re-sign him. White pointed to unspecified behind-the-scenes issues at the time, while Mokaev said matchmakers had raised concerns about his grappling-heavy style — a complaint he now echoes in Basharat’s case.

By separating White from the decision-making, Mokaev is pointing the finger higher up the corporate structure. TKO Group Holdings, which owns the UFC, operates under the broader umbrella of its media and entertainment partnerships, including Paramount. Whether that framing resonates with other released fighters or prompts any formal response from the promotion remains to be seen.