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In an expected move, the UFC has cut longtime light heavyweight staple Keith Jardine following his fourth straight loss at last Saturday's Ultimate Fighter 11 Finale.
Jardine, a veteran of 13 UFC fights stretching near five years in the organization, lost a majority decision to Matt Hamill last Saturday, continuing his four fight downfall after knockout losses against Ryan Bader and Thiago Silva as well as a decision loss to Quinton "Rampage" Jackson.
UFC President Dana White commented on the cut, saying "It sucks. I have nothing but respect for him and I hope to see him back soon."
Since his shocking upset TKO victory over Forrest Griffin in December of 2006, Jardine's won only two out of his next eight fights, both by split decision. One of those came against Chuck Liddell, and the other came against Brandon Vera.
Penick's Analysis: The cut was expected, because four straight losses, no matter who they were against, make it hard to justify keeping a fighter on the roster. It's highly possible, because he was a well liked fighter and a company man during his time with the UFC, that it may only take one win, maybe two, outside of the organization and he'll be right back in the Octagon. He's lost to some very tough competition, but four straight losses in the UFC is almost a universal indication that a fighter will be cut. He can beat a lot of the non-UFC competition in the light heavyweight division, so he'll probably find his way back.
RELATED STORY: UFC NEWS: Chris Leben and Keith Jardine top disclosed salaries at The Ultimate Fighter 11 finale
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