UFC News: UFC Releases Bantamweight Fighter Joe Soto

What's the story?

As per an initial report from FloCombat, it has now been confirmed that former UFC Bantamweight Title challenger Joe Soto has been released by the Ultimate Fighting Championship following his recent set of consecutive losses.

In case you didn't know...

Joe Soto signed a deal with the UFC in August of 2014 before making his promotional debut later that month. Upon his UFC debut, Soto was initially expected to face Anthony Birchak at UFC 177, however, was eventually pushed to the main event slot of the evening, as he stepped up and faced Bantamweight champion TJ Dillashaw in the main event.

Despite a very spirited effort, Soto eventually lost the title fight via knockout in the fifth round, as Dillashaw went on to retain his championship belt. Throughout his UFC tenure, Soto suffered a few gruesome defeats against the likes of Michinori Tanaka, Brett Johns, and very recently against Iuri Alcantara that eventually led to the release of Soto.

The heart of the matter

After suffering two back-to-back losses against Brett Johns at The Ultimate Fighter 26 Finale and Iuri Alcantara at UFC Fight Night 125, former Bantamweight Title challenger Joe Soto has now been released by the UFC with an Octagon record 3-5.

Despite scoring three vital wins against the likes of Chris Beal, Marco Beltran, and Rani Yahna, Soto's fortunes in the UFC couldn't seemingly be turned around as the UFC has now decided to part ways with the 31-year-old.

What's next?

Being a former Bellator MMA Champion, it'll now be interesting to note if Soto decides to make a return to Bellator, given the fact if the promotion decides to show any sort of interest in the 31-year-old.

However, as of this writing, it has also been noted by FloCombat that several notable MMA promotions have been pretty interested in signing Soto, including Legacy Fighting Alliance.

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Where do you think Joe Soto will next fight? Leave your thoughts in the comments below!