Dana White’s Monetary Gesture After Car Accident of Controversial MMA Prospect Gets Praise

Despite lackluster UFC events in 2025, Dana White doesn't hesitate about charitable donations, as revealed by the ex-flyweight star.

Dana White’s Monetary Gesture After Car Accident of Controversial MMA Prospect Gets Praise

Muhammad Mokaev spoke highly about Dana White (Image via BBC)

The UFC run of Muhammad Mokaev ended last year at UFC 304 in Manchester. Despite never tasting defeat in his UFC career or professional run, the UFC matchmakers had problems with the Dagestan-born fighter. UFC CEO Dana White has made it clear that Mokaev won’t return to the UFC. However, that doesn’t mean the boss will not help out his former employee in the time of need.

Sometime after his release from UFC contract, Mokaev visited Dagestan. The visit of the homeland turned out to be tragic as the young fighter was involved in a car crash. At the time, the ex-UFC star asked people to not take videos of the accident. Nine months after the car accident, Mokaev has opened up about the help he received from Dana White.

When I had car crash after being cut from UFC, I received some money from Dana too, not sure what for, but it meant a lot to me.

Muhammad has fought twice since leaving the UFC in 2024. It came in the form of appearances for Brave FC and Karate Combat. Moreover, he revealed not holding any grudges towards the UFC brass for not re-signing him as well.

The flyweight division had two title fights in 2024, and has yet to see a title defense in 2025 so far. Mokaev was close to a title shot, but didn’t impress the UFC brass due to grapple heavy fighting style. In recent times, fighters like Belal Muhammad and Magomed Ankalaev had to wait a long time for their title opportunities.

It would have been the same with Mokaev, but backstage problems and bad reputation prevented his dream of becoming the youngest UFC champion in history. Now, the future of Mokaev remains uncertain as the UFC has not entertained bringing him back.

In the past, British fighter Paul Daley was let go from the UFC after sucker punching Josh Koscheck after their bout. Dana White disliked it, and never allowed Daley to fight in the UFC again. Mokaev could fall into the same box if someone doesn’t change the mind of the UFC bosses.

Muhammad Mokaev asks Dana White to crown Tom Aspinall as the champion

The heavyweight division much like flyweight division has not seen a title defense in 2025. The interim heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall is ready for his fight, but undisputed champion Jon Jones continues to delay things further. So far, Aspinall has waited over 550 days for his title unification bout.

UFC CEO Dana White acts axeman to Muhammad Mokaev returning
Muhammad Mokaev and Dana White (Source: X/IMAGO)

Many fighters like Daniel Cormier and Michael Bisping has urged Jones to fight Aspinall. Meanwhile, the interim champion has used trolling methods to tempt Jones in the aim for revenge. A petition to strip Jones has also gone viral in the MMA community. To the large number of people wanting Aspinall to fight for the belt, Mokaev took things to a new level.

In viral posts on X, the Dagestan-born talent asked for the UFC to strip Jones and anoint Aspinall as the undisputed champion. This is something fans have asked Dana White about in the past. He also posted an old image of him training with Aspinall back in the beginning of their MMA journey. He also supported Aspinall being the ‘people’s champ’ on X.

In fact, Tom Aspinall has spoken only highly about the Dagestan-born UK fighter. The duo met back when Mokaev was 11 or 12 years old when Aspinall’s father taught BJJ to youngsters. The interim champion also believed that Mokaev has the potential to become a UFC champion. It appears that the UFC brass is the one somewhat holding Aspinall and Mokaev from achieving their dreams in a bizarre coincidence.

Also Read: