Breaking: Top heavyweight Augusto Sakai released from UFC despite winning a month back

After completing his contract with a decision victory over Don’Tale Mayes at UFC Vegas 70 last February, Augusto Sakai has parted ways with the UFC. The news was first reported by MMA Fighting.

The 31-year-old Brazilian heavyweight joined the UFC in 2018 after impressing on Dana White’s Contender Series, where he knocked out Marcos Conrado Jr.

Sakai had an impressive run in the UFC, winning four consecutive fights against Chase Sherman, Andrei Arlovski, Marcin Tybura, and Blagoy Ivanov. However, his six-fight winning streak came to an end in the UFC main event against Alistair Overeem in 2020. He then suffered three consecutive losses to Jairzinho Rozenstruik, Tai Tuivasa, and Serghei Spivac.

Despite snapping his losing skid and improving his professional record to 16-5-1 with a win over Mayes, the UFC has decided not to renew his contract, leaving Sakai on the free agent market.

Sakai’s departure from the UFC comes as a surprise to many fans and analysts, given his impressive run in the promotion. It remains to be seen where the Brazilian heavyweight will go next and what his future holds in the world of mixed martial arts.