After suffering his fourth loss in his past five fights, one of the UFC’s most entertaining heavyweights announced his release from the organization on Wednesday.
Joey Beltran embodied toughness in his seven fights under the UFC banner. However, Beltran’s ability to take a punch wasn’t enough for the Alliance MMA fighter to have his hand raised consistently enough to be considered a fighter worthy of competing in the UFC moving forward.
“I am truly grateful for all the opportunities that I have received from the UFC/Zuffa,” Beltran told Fighters Only.
“I am not sad or hurt by their decision as I know that winning is the name of the game. Posting a 1-4 record my last 5 fights is unacceptable regardless of how entertaining the fights were. So this is the next chapter of my career, and one that I am excited for. You will definitely see my ugly face again so fans don’t worry and haters keep on hating.”
His 20-pound weight loss prior to competing at UFC on FOX 2 led this writer to speculate Beltran would be given one more chance inside the Octagon if he could make the cut to light heavyweight.
Nonetheless, the UFC decided to cut ties with Beltran after the fighter suffered the first knockout loss of his MMA career against UFC newcomer Lavar Johnson.
According to the Fighters Only report, other organizations have already expressed in signing Beltran. Considering the excitement Beltran, a former Fight of the Night winner, provided fans in his short time with the UFC, don’t be surprised if “The Mexicutioner” returns to the UFC once again before his career comes to a close.
Sean Smith is a Featured Columnist for Bleacher Report MMA. For the latest insight and updates on everything MMA, Follow Sean Smith on Twitter
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