Alongside his ex-wife, Chope asks UFC to reconsider his dismissal

Chope (photo) was fired from the UFC. Photo: Suhaimi Abdullah/Zuffa LLC

Will Chope has finally decided to speak out about the episode that surrounded his dismissal from the UFC. On the eve of his fight against Diego Brandao, at UFC Fight Night 38, last month, the North American was released from the organization after an old case of domestic violence became public.

In November 2009, Chope was kicked out of the United States Air Force for attacking his then-wife and threatening her with a knife. According to the conviction, Chope received a sentence of five months of confinement and was exonerated from the unit. The fighter appealed the decision, but was denied in 2011.

This Tuesday (1st), Chope released a video alongside his ex-wife, Ashley, to defend himself. “It’s my dream to fight in the UFC. I want to be the best fighter in the world, and the only way I'm going to do that is by being in the UFC, so I hope they reconsider,” he said. “Ultimately, I was fired from the UFC. I'm grateful. The UFC was grateful to pay me because I managed to make weight for the fight against Diego Brandao. I don't hold any grudges against the UFC. I understand what they are doing, protecting their brand. They don’t want a guy with a history of domestic violence fighting in the UFC, and I understand that.”

Chope and Ashley became friends even after the divorce, as the two maintain a close relationship because of the couple's daughter. She stated that the problem is in the past and that, therefore, she hopes that Chope will no longer be punished for what happened. “I was honestly shocked and surprised that this had come to light once again. It really upsets me that this causes Will so much trouble. I want this to be behind us and for us to move forward,” she said.