Update: Matt Wiman Retires After UFC Exit, Slam Knockout Loss
Matt Wiman has closed the book on his UFC and mixed martial arts careers.
First reported by Combate, UFC veteran Matt Wiman has been released from the promotion. The report was subsequently confirmed to MMA Fighting by UFC officials. Wiman later told the publication he was not released, but instead chose to retire.
“To be clear, I wasn’t cut, I wasn’t released,” Wiman said via text message. “This was my last fight on my latest contract, and we mutually decided I can fight it out and go from there. I decided to retire shortly after the bout.”
“It was an easy, relieving decision that was harmonious with the promotion’s stance,” Wiman added. “This mind and body did everything it set out to do and more. Super pleased and grateful.”
Wiman (16-10 MMA, 10-8 UFC), made his promotional debut in 2006 and most recently got brutally KO’d via slam by undefeated propsect Jordan Leavitt at UFC Vegas 16. The fight was Wiman’s third consecutive loss and brought him to an 0-3 record since rejoining the UFC in 2019. Wiman’s first UFC stint kicked off at UFC 60 in 2006 following a stint on The Ultimate Fighter season five. He holds notable wins over Thiago Tavares, Cole Miller, Paul Sass and Mac Danzig (twice).
UFC President Dana White warned of a roster overhaul with a potential of as many as 60 fighters getting cut from the promotion. He made the statement during the UFC Vegas 16 post-fight press conference. Wiman joins the list of recently released fighters just this week, which includes Yoel Romero, Rachael Ostovich and Mark De La Rosa.
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