Ronny Markes doesn’t want to fight for World Series of Fighting anymore.
The Brazilian light heavyweight, who hasn’t fought since a unanimous decision victory over Cully Butterfield in his promotional debut in 2014, was forced out of a bout with Dave Branch last April moments before the official weigh-ins due to illness. He believes that’s why the promotion has yet to offer him a new bout.
“I’m not happy with this time off. I’m seeing things happen for everyone, lots of athletes fighting, and I’m here waiting,” Markes told MMAFighting.com. “I guess they were upset that I got sick before my last fight in April, but that’s explain it because Matt Hamill also pulled out of his fight and he already has another one booked.”
According to the Nova Uniao fighter, WSOF executive Ali Abdel-Aziz has offered him a fight on Dec. 28, but he’s not confident the bout will materialize.
“I contacted them in July and at first they said I would fight in October, but now said the card is full. Then they said November wouldn’t be possible, and now they are saying I will fight on Dec. 28, at WSOF 26,” he said.
During this time off from WSOF, Markes was offered a fight at Shooto Brazil. However, he would have to sign a six-month extension with WSOF in order to compete in Rio de Janeiro.
“I’m super unhappy in this organization. It’s clear that they don’t want me there, but won’t let me go,” Markes said. “I asked them to release me from the contract. I asked them to fight for Shooto in Brazil, but they said I would automatically renew for more six months with them if I did. I have no interest being signed with them anymore. I want to cut ties with them as soon as possible. I don’t want to stay one more day with them.”
With only one fight in over a year since signing with WSOF, Markes hopes Ali Abdel-Aziz gives him a fight in December, and then lets him go.
“I hope Mr. Ali honors his word and gives me a fight in December,” he said. “I want to be free of this contract as soon as possible. They pay us well, as well as the UFC does, but to fight once a year? I’m an athlete and money is important, but it sucks to stay away for this long. I fought in August of 2014 and will apparently fight in December. I’m honestly scared that they will change plans one more time. I hope Mr. Ali honors his word and gives me a fight.”