(I just realized something: In about five years, Bellator will probably try to hire Arianny. / Photo via MMAFightGirls)
UFC president Dana White confirmed on Instagram today that welterweight veteran Josh Burkman has re-signed with the UFC. White later revealed that Burkman would be facing Hector Lombard at UFC 182: Jones vs. Cormier, January 3rd in Las Vegas. Keep in mind that Lombard is ranked #6 on the UFC’s contender rankings, while Burkman is “NR” at the moment. Yeah, it’s a bit of a head-scratcher.
“The People’s Warrior” hasn’t competed in the Octagon since 2008, when he went on a three-fight losing skid, getting the boot after a unanimous decision loss to Pete Sell at UFC 90. But in recent years, Burkman revived his career in World Series of Fighting, where he went 4-1, earning impressive stoppage wins against UFC vets Jon Fitch and Aaron Simpson. Following his most recent win against Tyler Stinson in March, Burkman publicly asked for his release from the promotion, citing contractual shadiness, then renewed his contract with WSOF anyway. But before he could compete for them again, the UFC managed to snatch him out of his contract. As WSOF matchmaker Ali Abdel-Aziz explained:
“I said no [to releasing him] at first, but Burkman did a lot for us. I think we helped revitalize his career, but the UFC made him a very good offer. I talked to Dana and I think it’s good money for him and his family. I wish him the best of luck.”
Ali Abdel-Aziz is the same guy who said “I will not release anyone to another promotion. Fighters must honor their contracts.” during a fit of rage a few months back. So what changed? BloodyElbow shares some interesting insight/speculation:
At this point, rumors of WSOF’s financial woes are public knowledge. Our own John S. Nash was able to compile a growing list of concerns from fighters and managers and their experiences dealing with WSOF. The most particular of these were that budget constraints seemed to be stopping WSOF from offering fighters fights at their agreed upon contract level, within their agreed upon contract period, often leaving fighters no choice but to take bouts for less money, just to keep fighting regularly.
Of course, those circumstances may have nothing to do with Burkman’s release, but along with the news of former WSOF featherweight champion Georgi Karakhanyan signing a contract with Bellator, it’s hard not to wonder if the promotion is being forced to release some of its higher salaried fighters. This may be the first step in an attempt to re-brand the promotion as a smaller, more prospect focused organization, or merely an opportunity that benefited all parties involved.
If only Josh had stuck it out with WSOF a little longer. I mean, everybody on the roster was about to get rich. Anyway, it’ll be nice to see Burkman back in the UFC, but “Showeather” isn’t exactly a warm welcome. Your thoughts?