Despite extending his record to a perfect 12-0 last week, the UFC opted against re-signing Muhammad Mokaev — and Steve Erceg may have just revealed why.
‘The Punisher’ is regarded as one of the best prospects in the sport, as the rising star has won seven straight under the UFC banner at just 24 years old. The Brit now finds himself on the outskirts of the biggest company in the sport, but several reports are suggesting why that is the case.
During a recent interview, former title challenger Steve Erceg revealed a piece of information which could have added to the UFC’s decision in releasing Muhammad Mokaev.
“The way he treats people, I don’t know if fans get to see it, but, I don’t know,” Erceg said in an interview with Middle Easy’s James Lynch. “He just seems like he’s a little entitled and thinks he’s very important which I don’t particularly like, and obviously the UFC didn’t like.”
“Hopefully he grows from here and learns a lesson… I don’t know if it’s common knowledge, I saw it when I fought on the same card as him.”
“Just the way he was treating the nutrition team and that sort thing from the UFC. Just like, little things that are just disrespectful that I thought were odd. He’s a young kid, hopefully he’ll learn from this moment.”
Steve Erceg claims that Muhammad Mokaev would treat the UFC staff poorly:
“The way [Mokaev] treats people… he just seems like he’s a little entitled and thinks he’s very important.”
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Ahead of his bout at UFC Manchester, Muhammad Mokaev reportedly sucker punched his opponent Manel Kape in the days leading up to their fight.
Related: Brandon Royval and Muhammad Mokaev trade barbs online
While he was shocked at the news of his release, Erceg stated that the controversial Mokaev deserved that fate.
“I was very surprised,” Erceg said in an interview with Middle Easy’s James Lynch. “I think it’s like a cool little precedent to set.”
“You can’t go around, not only starting fights and jumping other fighters… But like, getting a photo and sucker punching and getting your team in, it’s like unacceptable. It’s coward mentality, I think.”
Check out Steve Erceg’s comments on Muhammad Mokaev below.
