UFC Decide Against Renewing Roger Gracie's Contract, Now a Free Agent

UFC will not renew Gracie's contract

By Tommy Strong @strong_tea

The UFC have decided Middleweight Roger Gracie will not get a second fight inside the octagon. Having only fought once for the UFC since moving from Strikeforce, his unanimous decision loss at UFC 162 to Tim Kennedy and his underwhelming performance was enough for the powers above to decide not renew his contract. Not even the surname Gracie could save him.

Ivan Rupp of Combate.com confirmed that this was Gracie's last fight of his 4 fight contract which rolled over from Strikeforce.

Roger leaves the UFC with an MMA record of (6-2), he will now be free to talk to other organisations to pursue his career. With the likes of Bellator and WSOF looking for talent, I'm sure it won't be long before we see Gracie back in action.

The UFC cuts continue: Garza and Carvalho Released by The UFC

Two More Featherweights Cut From The UFC

by Tommy Strong @Strong_tea

Featherweights Pablo Garza and Antonio Carvalho haveboth announced on social media sites that they have been released from the UFC.

Pablo Garza (12–4) posted on his Facebook page:

In life’s journey we can walk many paths and while some may close there are others that will open. I am sad to say, that I have been released from the UFC roster. But I will take this time to focus on another passion of mine; competing in Jiu Jitsu and coaching. And who knows, I might be back in the Octagon again one day… Once again thank you all!

Having lost 3 of his last 4 fights, with the latest a 1st round submission defeat to Diego Brandao at UFC on Fuel 9. ‘The Scarecrow’ leaves the UFC with a 3-3 record which saw him pick up 'knockout of the night' against Fredson Paxao and in his following fight a 'submission of the night' award for his impressive flying triangle choke over Yves Jabouin. His last victory came via decision against Mark Hominick at UFC 154.

Antonio Carvalho confirmed via his Facebook page, that he also has been released from the UFC, following his 1st round TKO defeat at the hands of Darren Elkins at UFC 158.

“Just got word today, I’m no longer with the UFC roster at this point. Too many fighters in the FW division and they need to cut back. So yes, I’ve been cut. No hate towards the UFC. This was something the matchmakers had been warning us for a while about. They had often told me that they have to cut people that they want to keep around. I completely understand that this is a business and that is the climate in the UFC at the moment.”

Carvalho previous to the Elkins fight, came into the octagon on the back of a two fight winning streak with wins over Daniel Pineda (TKO) and Rodrigo Damm (Split Decision). Carvalho now leaves the UFC with a 2/2 record and not certain what the future holds for him.

“I don’t know where I will go from here. I’ll just have to sit back and think about what I want to do next with my life. Thanks again to everyone that has always supported me.”

UFC Parts Ways with Cheick Kongo

Cheick Kongo Not Offered a New Contract
by Chris Houten - @houts4thewin

The UFC have decided against offering Cheick Kongo a new contract following his first round loss to Roy Nelson, which was the last fight on his contract.

Speaking to MMAfighting.com earlier today, Kongo's manager Anthony McGann said prior to the Nelson fight Kongo was offered a four-fight deal, however he turned it down when the parties couldn't agree on terms. He was not offered a different deal after the fight.

Since making his cctagon debut at UFC 61 in 2006 against Gilbert Aldana, 37 year old, French native, Kongo has racked up 18 fights in the UFC amassing an impressive record of 11-6-1, including notable victories over Antoni Hardonk, Mirko Cro Cop, and Pat Barry, the later being one of the most impressive comebacks to date.

McGann said Kongo will definitely continue fighting outside the UFC.

Colin "Freakshow" Fletcher cut from the UFC

Freakshow cut from the big show

by Scott Cumming @tummidge

Colin "Freakshow" Fletcher (8-3), one of MMA's most charismatic characters tonight finds himself without a fighting home after revealing via Twitter that he has been cut from the UFC.

"Is it just me or does cut after 1 official UFC fight seam a little harsh I know I didn't perform my best! Neva mind," he wrote.

Under normal circumstances this would seem pretty harsh, but the promotion has made no secret that they need to make mass cuts to their roster and Fletcher happens to be a competitor in the weight division with the deepest talent pool.

Fletcher got his break in the UFC as a member of Team U.K. on "The Ultimate Fighter: The Smashes" and made the final after wins against Aussies Ben Wall and Richie Vaculik. He took on fellow Brit "Stormin'" Norman Parke in the final, but came up short losing by unanimous decision. He was given another chance to prove himself in a battle of "TUF" runners-up as he took on Canadian Mike Ricci, but again lost by unanimous decision.

With his profile raised thanks to his time with the UFC, he will not stay a free agent for long. Although not living up to his reputation in the octagon with 7 wins by submission he will be a tough proposition on the regional circuit. He has not announced any plans for the future at this stage.

Update on UFC on Fuel TV 8 Failed Drug Tests

Fighters respond to the news of failed drug tests at UFC on Fuel TV 8

by Ben Heather @benheather

Following the news released yesterday that both Alex Caceres and Riki Fukuda both failed drug tests at UFC on Fuel TV 8 both fighters have released statements.

Riki Fukuda who has been cut for his failed drug test by the UFC has responded by apologising on twitter and saying that an over the counter cold medication prompted his failed test for banned stimulants. The japanese fighter said that he took the medicine a few weeks before the fight and forgot to disclose this in his pre fight medical.

Alex Caceres also released a statement in which he said he takes full responsibilty for his failed drug test which has led to him receiving a six month suspension from fighting. Caceres also must undergo a drug rehabilitation and pass a drug test before he will be cleared to fight again.

Alex Caceres released the following statement to MMA Junkie.

"I accept full responsibility for my actions and the consequences from those actions. I apologise to all that I have disappointed, including the UFC, my family, coaches, training partners and fans. I accept the sanctions from the UFC and I look forward to completing the necessary steps to getting back in the octagon following the suspension and assuring that this never happens again"

Keep checking KingdomMMA for all of the latest news from the world of MMA.

Lavar Johnson cut from the UFC

Lavar Johnson Suspended and cut from the UFC after failed drug test at UFC 157

 by Ben Heather @benheather

Lavar Johnson's week just got a lot worse, after news broke that he failed his drug test at UFC 157 earlier this week today it has been announced that he has been suspended from fighting for nine months. Also, in part of his recent two fight losing streak and the failed drug test he has been cut by the UFC.

Lavar Johnson started his octagon career with back to back wins and a lot of hype building but then in his last two fights he lost both giving him a 2-2 record in the UFC.

 An elevated testosterone to epitestosterone (T/E) ratio of 6.6-1 triggered a carbon isotope ratio (CIR) test that confirmed Johnson had testosterone in his system and that it was "consistent with the administration of a steroid"

Johnson though has now admitted that he was undergoing testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) however he did not disclose this on a pre fight medical questionnaire and has now been suspended. A representative for the fighter has said that in future Johnson may seek an exemption for the treatment.

Keep checking KingdomMMA for news on the future of Lavar Johnson.