Bellator heavyweight Matt Mitrione is attempting to being about a revolution in UFC and hopes to change the way in which they go about business and especially how they treat their fighters. It has not been too long since several former UFC fighters that migrated to Bellator were publicly vocal about the inherent benefits of leaving the UFC, specifically the facts about how they can now enjoy a lot more flexibility and also earn a lot more money than what they did in the UFC. These comments have already spurred an interest among current UFC fighters that may soon consider going down the same road too.
Mitrione is one fighter that in an interview with Mauro Ranallo and Bas Rutten talked about his decision to leave the UFC and the reasons why he took that decision. Mitrione said that apart from the financial incentives of leaving the UFC, the real stimulus to him leaving was that he now has more freedom to make his own money, he is not tied down by contracts or sponsorships, he said he can now say what he really feels and voice his opinions without the fear of losing out on an year-end bonus which he may not receive either way.
Mitrione also cited the example of Jon Fitch who was released for 24 hours simple because he did not agree to sing a lifetime release of his likeness rights so that the UFC could use his character in their video games for further profits.
Mitrione however conceded that he is where he is only because of the UFC itself. He would have been a name that nobody knew if it was not for his UFC career. So he remains thankful for having gotten the opportunity to fight in the UFC, but then again he maintains that that is not enough to get him to stay, he wants to move on, wants to be able to live life on his terms, enjoy financial freedom and continue being the boisterous and outspoken athlete that he is without worrying about repercussions.