Featherweight Jordan Rinaldi is no longer under UFC contract.
Yet another fighter has revealed that they are no longer with the UFC.
Featherweight Jordan Rinaldi confirmed in a statement on his Instagram page that the UFC did release him following his loss to Arnold Allen back in March.
This comes on the heels of strawweight veteran Jessica Aguilar announcing that the UFC opted not to re-sign her after her contract ran out.
“It is with great frustration and confusion that I was released from the UFC yesterday” Rinaldi wrote. “I was not expecting it coming off of the 1 loss at 145, but this is a business. For ten years I have put everything into this sport and have reaped some great benefits. I have been so blessed with the opportunities and fun times I have had with the company.
“I love MMA and will always be involved with it in some capacity, whether as an athlete, coach or training partner. I am doing well, though I am sad, I’m ok. A long time ago I learned that my career does not define me, but it is in Christ and his grace and mercy that I find my identity. I am not sure what my plans are for the future yet, I will talk to my wife and decide the best option going forward. Thank you all for always supporting and praying for me, it is always much appreciated.”
Rinaldi (14-7) has alternated between featherweight and lightweight throughout his career. He began his UFC run with a decision loss to Abel Trujillo in May of 2016. He bounced back with a Von Flue choke finish of Alvaro Herrera in his next outing, but ran into the buzzsaw that is rising LW contender Gregor Gillespie in January of last year. The 31-year-old dropped back to 145 lbs and picked up a decision win over Jason Knight at UFC 230, but then defeat to Allen at UFC London two months ago evidently spelled the end of his run inside the Octagon.