Axe Continues to Fall; Leonard Garcia, Bart Palaszewski, Several Other UFC Fighters Released
Several fighters have been released by the Ultimate Fighting Championship, including four-time Fight of the Night winner Leonard Garcia.
Garcia (15-11-1) became a fan favorite for his aggressive fighting style and epic battles with Chan Sung Jung, but his release was no surprise. The featherweight fighter has lost five consecutive fights and hasn’t had his hand raised since December 2010.
Garcia confirmed his released via Twitter on Wednesday.
“Got let go by @UFC thanks for everything! I’ll be back better than ever,” wrote Garcia. “Thanks to all my friends this is a great reality check time to get back on the grind.”
Bart Palaszewski (36-17) was also released by the promotion after dropping his last three fights.
“I have been let go by the @ufc. I would like to thank them & @seanshelby (UFC matchmaker) for all the opportunities and great times. We shall see whats next,” Palaszewski tweeted on Wednesday.
MMAWeekly.com has confirmed several other fighters have also been cut from the UFC roster.
Middleweight Clifford Starks (8-2) received his walking papers after losing back-to-back fights and going 1-2 in organization.
Reuben Duran (8-5-1) went 1-3 in his UFC stint before being released after suffering back-to-back losses.
Pablo Garza (12-4) was notified of his release after losing three of his last four fights.
“In life’s journey we can walk many paths and while some may close there are others that will open. I am sad to say, that I have been released from the UFC roster,” Garza wrote on his Facebook page on Monday. “But I will take this time to focus on another passion of mine; competing in Jiu Jitsu and coaching. And who knows, I might be back in the Octagon again one day… Once again thank you all.”
The release of Antonio Carvalho (15-6) was a bit of a surprise. He’s gone 2-2 in his UFC tenure. After losing his debut against Felipe Arantes at UFC 142, Carvalho bounced back with two consecutive wins. He was defeated in his last outing on March 16 by Darren Elkins by technical knockout in the first round.
The 33-year-old confirmed his release via Twitter on Monday, citing too many featherweights on the UFC roster.
“I have been cut by the UFC. Too many FW's on roster & need to cut back. Business is that way. Only love for the UFC. Hopefully be back,” wrote Carvalho.
Other confirmed releases include Sam Sicilia, Justin Lawrence, Issei Tamura, and Kurt Holobaugh.
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