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BY PATRICK AUGER
MAY 29, 2019
It was reported on May 27 that the Ultimate Fighting Championship had released a number of fighters, as it further trimmed its flyweight division to a mere 13 athletes and cut a few heavyweight prospects who never quite planned out.
One name in particular on the list of released fighters drew a significant amount of backlash from fans and pundits: Elias Theodorou. According to the official UFC rankings, Theodorou had lost to a Top 10 opponent in Derek Brunson and was ranked in the Top 15 himself. Having gone 8-3 in his UFC career, Theodorou had only been beaten by strong opposition inside the Octagon: the aforementioned Brunson, Brad Tavares and current light heavyweight title contender Thiago Santos. With that being said, “The Spartan” certainly isn’t the most exciting fighter to watch, as his last eight bouts have gone the distance; his own countrymen booed his efforts in the co-main event of UFC Fight Night 151.
His fighting style most likely being the reason for his release, Theodorou’s newfound unemployment begs a question. Should a fighter’s ability to entertain fans and matchmakers play a role in his or her continued employment? The answer depends on who you’re working for.
While Theodorou’s record speaks for itself, being let go by the UFC for lackluster performances is nothing new. In 2016, Jared Rosholt was released from the company in a similar fashion after a unanimous decision loss to Roy Nelson snapped a three-fight winning streak. Despite Rosholt going 6-2 in the promotion and being ranked at No. 12 in the official rankings, many believed his departure was due to a smothering style that offered little in the way of big knockouts or exciting striking. In 2013, the UFC famously released Jon Fitch when many believed he was still a top welterweight, and although there were several other variables at play in that decision, his style was believed to have been an important factor as to why he was sent packing.
Read more at https://www.sherdog.com/news/articles/The-Business-of-Fighting-Styles-155583#EZgaCK6Qjlgyld7a.99
