Júnior Cigano complains about how he was treated by the UFC upon his dismissal: 'Complete disrespect'

J. Cigano (right) is no longer a UFC athlete. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram @juniorcigano

Just over two weeks after being fired from the UFC, junior gypsy he was hurt by the way the decision was communicated. The former heavyweight champion (up to 120,2kg) stated that he felt disrespected by the organization and that the history he built within Ultimate was completely disregarded. The statement was made in an interview with 'MMA fighting'.

See too

Jon Jones cites 'arrogance' and mocks Israel Adesanya's challenge: 'It's hilarious'

Officially retired, Khabib speaks out and asks his fans

Conor McGregor speaks out after Khabib Nurmagomedov's final retirement

Protagonists on Saturday, Brunson and Holland make weight and confirm fight at UFC Las Vegas 22

“I reacted with surprise (about the dismissal) and I was a little impressed by the coldness of how they handled the case. I know it's a business, but they just don't care. The history we made inside, the dedication and everything, was completely disregarded.”, said Cigano.

The Brazilian stated that he had already been warned by other people about the change in behavior of the UFC board, when they no longer want to count on an athlete. However, everything happened the way they warned him.

“I heard other athletes, friends and people I know say how they were treated after the UFC was no longer interested in them, and it was exactly the same thing for me. It was complete disrespect. For me, it's clear that their intention was to use me as a springboard to build other guys.”, added the Brazilian.

The heavyweight also said that the organization did not contact him to inform him of his dismissal. The native of Santa Catarina, based in Bahia, declared that he found out about his dismissal through Dan Lambert, owner of 'American Top Team', gym where he trains. The businessman was the one who received a message from Ultimate, informing him that Cigano was no longer part of the squad.

“The UFC didn’t even talk to me. For example, I haven't spoken to Dana White in years. They didn't even talk to me. The company sent a message to Dan Lambert, from American Top Team, informing them of their decision to release me from my contract.”, concluded the former champion.

With a record of 21 wins and nine losses, junior gypsy, is currently free on the market. Hired by the UFC in 2008, he built a record of 15 wins and eight losses in the largest MMA organization in the world. In November 2011, he achieved his shining moment: by knocking out Cain Velazquez in the first round, he became heavyweight champion (up to 120,1kg).

Fatal change? Makhachev ignores warning and could end tragically at welterweight!