Many an eyebrow was raised earlier this week when it was announced that ‘The Spartan’ Elias Theodorounhad been released from his UFC contract following a loss to Derek Brunson earlier this month.
The Canadian middleweight went into that bout on the back of a three-fight win streak and an 8-2 record in the organisation overall but the defeat to Brunson, in which Theodorou was criticised in some circles for not being aggressive enough, appears to have sealed his fate as an active member of the 185-pound roster.
Writing of the release on social media, Theodorou pondered if his overarching view of what mixed martial arts actually is is responsible.
For some time I prided myself at being an unorthodox fighter able to outsmart his opponent in a form of competition. I can see now to many, the “entertainment” of violence out ways victory. Looking to take the time and grow not only as a martial artist, but a prize fighter. 👊🍁 https://t.co/TVxuk8KeS9
— The Mane Event™ (@EliasTheodorou) May 30, 2019
“For some time I prided myself at being an unorthodox fighter able to outsmart his opponent in a form of competition. I can see now to many, the “entertainment” of violence [outweighs] victory,” he wrote. “Looking to take the time and grow not only as a martial artist, but a prize fighter.”
Theodorou also admitted that, wherever he ends up next, he is once again anticipating the prospect of being able to have independent sponsorship on his fight gear.
Meanwhile, UFC commentator Joe Rogan indicated his surprise at Theodorou’s release on a recent episode of his Joe Rogan Experience podcast. Speaking with guest Michelle Waterson, Rogan admitted that he doesn’t quite understand some of the UFC’s business practices.
“Obviously I’m a giant fan of the UFC,” Rogan said. “I love them to death. I am so happy and I would do nothing for any other organization. I would never want to work for any other organization. But I don’t like the way they do things. There are a lot of things I don’t like. They just cut Elias Theodorou. One loss [to] Derek Brunson, cut. Like explain that. How do you explain that? That one doesn’t make any sense.”
