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By: Jamie Penick, MMATorch Editor-in-Chief
Phil Davis entered his January fight with Ryan Bader on the final bout of his UFC contract, and since losing that fight he hasn't come to terms with the organization on a new deal. Instead, according to a report from MMAFighting.com, Davis is close to inking a deal with Bellator MMA.
The possibility of the signing was first reported by MMA Sun last week, and a deal could be made official by today. The UFC may also have matching rights, though it's unlikely they'd hold onto Davis.
The former NCAA D-1 all american from Penn State appeared 13 times inside the Octagon, posting a 9-3 mark with one no contest. His run includes a submission win over title challenger Alexander Gustafsson, a clear decision win over another in Glover Teixeira, and a contentious decision win over former Champion Lyoto Machida. However, he lost two of his last three fights, and a run of less than thrilling fights going the distance is likely responsible for the UFC parting ways with him.
Penick's Analysis: This doesn't surprise me in the least. Davis is the latest in a long series of fighters who were knocked out of contention, and who aren't exciting enough on a frequent basis for the UFC to keep them on the roster. Davis immediately becomes Bellator's best light heavyweight fighter, and though he could have obviously competed in the top end of the UFC's 205 lb. field, he was out of title contention after two losses in three fights. He was also making more money than the UFC wanted to pay him, so they opted not to come to terms. Again, just following in the footsteps of fighters like Jon Fitch and Yushin Okami.
[Phil Davis art by Grant Gould (c) MMATorch.com]
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Jamie Penick, editor-in-chief
(mmatorcheditor@gmail.com)
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