UFC fires Maldonado and two other Brazilians in 'barge' of eight fighters

Maldonado (photo) is the main name among the eight fired. Photo: Josh Hedges/UFC

Once again, Ultimate fired a large group of fighters and, unfortunately for Brazilian fans, three Tupiniquin athletes are part of the “boat”. Among the cut trio, the main name is light heavyweight Fábio Maldonado, one of the most charismatic and beloved representatives of the public.

See too

UFC cancels event that would be held in Rio in March

UFC partner celebrates billion-dollar profit in 2015

Aoki massacres Sakuraba on the first day of Rizin

In addition to Maldonado, the other two Brazilians fired were Kevin Souza and Ericka Almeida. The cut list also has five names. They are: Chico Camus, Bubba Bush, Mickael Lebout, Vernon Ramos and Jumabieke Tuerxun.

Maldonado's manager, Alex Davis, regretted the moment chosen by Ultimate to announce the cut and said that the “Steel Hillbilly” could even return to boxing. “I'm sure he'll fight again, he'll have great fights and he'll be in the media. He has several promotions interested and it was a shame they stopped cutting it now, otherwise he would fight in Japan (at Rizin). There is still the possibility of Maldonado returning to boxing as well,” he said, on the channel’s “Combat” website.