Bellator MMA lets go Bubba Jenkins, who says he requested his release

Featherweight prospect Bubba Jenkins is no longer with Bellator MMA.

Bubba Jenkins’ devastating knockout loss to Georgi Karakhanyan proved to be the last fight of his Bellator MMA career. Jason Floyd of The MMA Report confirmed on Tuesday that Jenkins was released by the promotion, making him a free agent.

Jenkins (11-3) is a former NCAA Division I national champion wrestler who signed with Bellator MMA in May 2013. After winning his debut, the highly touted prospect suffered a shock TKO loss vs. LaRue Burley at Bellator 100. Jenkins rattled off four consecutive wins, setting himself up for a January 2015 showdown with Georgi Karakhanyan. In less than two minutes, Karakhanyan put Jenkins to sleep with a guillotine choke. Jenkins then strung together victories against Joe Wilk, Jordan Parsons, and Goiti Yamauchi, setting the stage for a rematch with Karakhanyan at Bellator 160 in August. In less than one minute, Karakhanyan put Jenkins to sleep with a monstrous right hand.

According to Jenkins and his management, the decision to part ways after an 8-3 record in Bellator was initiated by Bubba himself. Jenkins also claimed that Bellator has not yet paid his full purse for the Karakhanyan rematch.

Bubba asked for this release after suffering many troublesome grievances by the promotion. @TheMMAReport https://t.co/UIv6bxFPJ1

— Di-Cypher (@DiCypher) February 14, 2017

Yes, the story is true. I have asked for my release from @BellatorMMA.People treat u how u allow them 2 treat u. Respect 4 urself is key

— Bubba Jenkins (@BubbaJenkinsMMA) February 14, 2017

People people this is not a sad day…lol this is a great day. I ASKED 4 my release. I’m free to entertain you however where ever I want

— Bubba Jenkins (@BubbaJenkinsMMA) February 14, 2017

Bellator quick 2get out & tell lies… let’s see if they can spin this…I fought Aug 26 and still haven’t been paid all my money. #payme

— Bubba Jenkins (@BubbaJenkinsMMA) February 14, 2017

So Jenkins’ request to be released has been granted, and the 29-year-old is now free to explore his options for the next chapter of his career.

Featherweight prospect Bubba Jenkins is no longer with Bellator MMA.

Bubba Jenkins’ devastating knockout loss to Georgi Karakhanyan proved to be the last fight of his Bellator MMA career. Jason Floyd of The MMA Report confirmed on Tuesday that Jenkins was released by the promotion, making him a free agent.

Jenkins (11-3) is a former NCAA Division I national champion wrestler who signed with Bellator MMA in May 2013. After winning his debut, the highly touted prospect suffered a shock TKO loss vs. LaRue Burley at Bellator 100. Jenkins rattled off four consecutive wins, setting himself up for a January 2015 showdown with Georgi Karakhanyan. In less than two minutes, Karakhanyan put Jenkins to sleep with a guillotine choke. Jenkins then strung together victories against Joe Wilk, Jordan Parsons, and Goiti Yamauchi, setting the stage for a rematch with Karakhanyan at Bellator 160 in August. In less than one minute, Karakhanyan put Jenkins to sleep with a monstrous right hand.

According to Jenkins and his management, the decision to part ways after an 8-3 record in Bellator was initiated by Bubba himself. Jenkins also claimed that Bellator has not yet paid his full purse for the Karakhanyan rematch.

So Jenkins’ request to be released has been granted, and the 29-year-old is now free to explore his options for the next chapter of his career.