UFC roster-trimming Policy?
George Wong
May 06, 2008
Travis Lutter shares his thoughts on being released by the UFC in an interview with FightHype. Lutter believes Matt Serra will be the next fighter released if he loses his upcoming fight with Matt Hughes based on how they treated Serra while he was treated recently in Canada. During UFC 83, Serra, Lutter, Kalib Starnes and, "five other guys" were cramped into one locker room. Usually the main eventers get their own space, but not Serra. It appeared to Lutter the UFC was hoping and praying that St. Pierre would win because he´s more marketable.
Another thing that irks Lutter is that Kendall Grove, who has suffered back-to-back knockout losses, is headlining the next Ultimate Fight Night card. Lutter loses to two top middleweight fighters; puts up very, very good fights, gains full mount on Anderson Silva and nearly snaps Franklin´s arm but ends up losing both bouts and is released. Grove on the other hand, gets knocked out by Patrick Cote and Jorge Rivera…and is handed a main even bout on Spike TV. Why?
It is clear and apparent the UFC has no ranking system and is releasing fighters based on other factors. If all it takes is two losses in a row, current Lightweight Champion BJ Penn should have been tossed after UFC 63. As well, Wanderlei Silva has now lost three bouts in a row (albeit two of those losses occurred in Pride). Same goes for Dan Henderson and Mirko CroCop. CroCop actually asked for a temporary leave after his second loss and the UFC granted it to him. Tim Sylvia loses one fight and the UFC grants him his release. There´s no rhyme or reason based on win-loss records.
However, if you look closer, their roster cutting methods tend to make a little more sense. None of the released fighters draw (or draw very well). Travis Lutter vs Opponent X will not sell pay per views. BJ Penn vs Opponent X will draw, and will sell very well. Tim Sylvia has an excellent record inside the Octagon. He has wins over most of the top heavyweight fighters in the UFC, yet he was released. Why? Because most fight fans despise his fights. He sits back, rarely engages and pecks at the other fighter with is orangutan-sized arms. His boring fights are the most powerful sleep-inducing agents this side of Triple Xtra Strength Nyquil. No fan in his right mind would pay to watch Sylvia fight unless his bout was propped up by another "co-main event" which it always is.
How about Tito Ortiz? Now here´s a fellow at the other end of the spectrum. The UFC will release guys they like due to a lack of drawing power, but will sleep with guys they loathe because they CAN draw. How many businesses will make a 60 minute show, showcasing the boss´ contempt for an employee, but not release him? Either that, or Dana White is a fan of the saying, "Keep your friends close, and your enemies closer." Tito has not won a meaningful fight since 2005. He squeaked out a split decision win over a raw Forrest Griffin in 2006, a fight which many believed Griffin had won. He publicly states his disdain for Dana White and how oppressive his contract is. He states he feels like a slave and is underpaid. His girlfriend smears the UFC. Dana White returns fire, and then some. Yet Tito remains a UFC employee. The answer, is drawing power.
Another thing that irks Lutter is that Kendall Grove, who has suffered back-to-back knockout losses, is headlining the next Ultimate Fight Night card. Lutter loses to two top middleweight fighters; puts up very, very good fights, gains full mount on Anderson Silva and nearly snaps Franklin´s arm but ends up losing both bouts and is released. Grove on the other hand, gets knocked out by Patrick Cote and Jorge Rivera…and is handed a main even bout on Spike TV. Why?
It is clear and apparent the UFC has no ranking system and is releasing fighters based on other factors. If all it takes is two losses in a row, current Lightweight Champion BJ Penn should have been tossed after UFC 63. As well, Wanderlei Silva has now lost three bouts in a row (albeit two of those losses occurred in Pride). Same goes for Dan Henderson and Mirko CroCop. CroCop actually asked for a temporary leave after his second loss and the UFC granted it to him. Tim Sylvia loses one fight and the UFC grants him his release. There´s no rhyme or reason based on win-loss records.
However, if you look closer, their roster cutting methods tend to make a little more sense. None of the released fighters draw (or draw very well). Travis Lutter vs Opponent X will not sell pay per views. BJ Penn vs Opponent X will draw, and will sell very well. Tim Sylvia has an excellent record inside the Octagon. He has wins over most of the top heavyweight fighters in the UFC, yet he was released. Why? Because most fight fans despise his fights. He sits back, rarely engages and pecks at the other fighter with is orangutan-sized arms. His boring fights are the most powerful sleep-inducing agents this side of Triple Xtra Strength Nyquil. No fan in his right mind would pay to watch Sylvia fight unless his bout was propped up by another "co-main event" which it always is.
How about Tito Ortiz? Now here´s a fellow at the other end of the spectrum. The UFC will release guys they like due to a lack of drawing power, but will sleep with guys they loathe because they CAN draw. How many businesses will make a 60 minute show, showcasing the boss´ contempt for an employee, but not release him? Either that, or Dana White is a fan of the saying, "Keep your friends close, and your enemies closer." Tito has not won a meaningful fight since 2005. He squeaked out a split decision win over a raw Forrest Griffin in 2006, a fight which many believed Griffin had won. He publicly states his disdain for Dana White and how oppressive his contract is. He states he feels like a slave and is underpaid. His girlfriend smears the UFC. Dana White returns fire, and then some. Yet Tito remains a UFC employee. The answer, is drawing power.
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