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By: Jamie Penick, MMATorch Editor-in-Chief
After a disappointing performance that saw him get submitted in the first round last month by Diego Brandao at UFC on Fuel 9, Pablo Garza has been released from the UFC.
The 29-year-old featherweight announced the release on his Facebook page Monday afternoon, thanking Dana White, and Joe Silva, and the rest of the UFC for his time in the organization. Here's his full statement:
"First off I would like to say thank you to Dana White, Joe Silva and the entire UFC for the entirety of my UFC career.
Second I would like to thank all my coaches that have helped my get to where I am and to where I have been. Greg Nelson, Dylan Spicer, Nat Macintyr, Andy Grahn, Andrew Kappel, Saul Mitchell, Tanner Grosz, Joe Trottier. I especially want to thank my head coach Dylan Spicer for being with me from the start and for always believing in me. I am truly thankful for all that you have taught me!
My training partners that bleed with me; Jeremy Stetz who was with me before the lights shined, Cameron Ramberg, Tyler Larson, Cody Lincoln, Jos Eichelberger and all my Academy of Combat Arts jiu Jitsu and Mauy Thai training partners along with the Minnesota Martial Arts Academy! Last but not least, I want to thank ALL my loyal fans that have been cheering me on and feeding me then energy to keep moving forward.
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!"
Garza went 3-3 through six fights in the organization, but all three losses were in his last four fights. He posted exciting finishes against both Fredson Paixao and Yves Jabouin, and put forth an excellent effort against Mark Hominick in the fight prior to Brandao. However, with the UFC cutting talent in all divisions to trim the roster, his 1-3 mark in an 18-month period spelled his end.
Penick's Analysis: Garza's performance against Brandao seemed off compared to what he did against Hominick in his previous fight, which is too bad because when he was on he was one of the more exciting fighters at 145 lbs. But losing three of four fights is going to work against you in this era of the UFC, as most fighters won't be kept on with that type of mark anymore. If he decides to continue fighting, I'm sure he can work his way back, but I'm sure he'll also make a good coach and jiu jitsu competitor going forward as well.
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Jamie Penick, editor-in-chief
(mmatorcheditor@gmail.com)
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Frank Hyden - Rich Hansen
Chris Park - Matt Pelkey
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