If like thousands of other fans your introduction to MMA came via “The Ultimate Fighter” program, then your passion for the sport has been fed by a steady diet of bouts featuring dudes like Forrest Griffin, Stephan Bonnar, Rashad Evans, Chris Leben, Josh Koscheck etc, etc, etc. Of course, belonging on that list is Keith “The Dean of Mean” Jardine, who since competing in the second season of TUF in 2005 has been one of the Octagon’s main fixtures, fighting 13 times. It’s no wonder that Jardine has become such a recognizable figure- so much so- hopes around the world were dashed when it turned out he wasn’t the Techno Viking after all…
Well, after incurring his fourth consecutive loss to Matt Hamill at the recent TUF 11 Finale, MMA Fighting is reporting that Jardine has been cut by the UFC. According to the report, UFC President Dana White has confirmed with the outlet that the light-heavyweight has in fact been released. Due to Jardine’s lengthy stint in the promotion, which let’s not forget, included wins over former champions Forrest Griffin and Chuck Liddell, one can understand the following statement from White:
“It sucks,” White said. “I have nothing but respect for him and I hope to see him back soon.”
Of course, there will be folks who don’t agree with the decision, as Jardine is right up there in terms of bang for your buck entertainment value, but as a result, there’s no doubt that a fighter of his stature will land a decent gig somewhere soon.