Middleweight Joe Doerksen (39-12) joins the not-so-distinguished list of recent fighters to be released from their UFC contracts over the past few months according to a report from Ontario’s Sportsnet.ca.
The recent trend seems to be focused on the 185 lb. class as Doerksen joins fellow middleweights David Terrell, Kalib Starnes and Travis Lutter on the temporary unemployment line.
The common denominator (besides being released) is that each fighter has a wealth of both talent and presence. Unfortunately, they’ve been either stricken with injury or unable to put together winning records inside the Octagon.
From Doerksen:
“(The UFC officials) made it very clear they’re very happy with the way I fight and they want me to come back, But they need me to go put a couple of wins together (first). It’s always a possibility whenever you lose. I’ve come and gone several times over my career and I’m sure I’ll be back again. It’s not really devastating news. It’s just the cycle I have to go through.”
Doerksen is 1-4 in the UFC, including a knockout loss against Ed Herman at UFC 78 and a TKO at the hands of Jason MacDonald at UFC 83. Doerksen, however, has been fighting since 1999 and with more than 50 professional fights he’s not going to be out of work for very long.
14 Comments »
Man the UFC is cracking the whip! I think they should have the questionable fighters to elimination fights instead of just cutting them. Like Have Joe fight Lutter
El Dirty will find his way back to the UFC eventually. He always does. Ni big deal here. Its not as bad as Lutter and starnes being cut, because I dont think those 2 idiots will ever be fighting in the Octagon again…Good ridance.
It’s unfortunate his record speaks louder than his abilities (as it’s naturally so), because I thought his performance in his last fight was stellar. Let’s wish the best for him.
Good fighter who just can’t seem to get a win against top talent. Luckily, there are enough shows around now that getting dropped from the UFC doesn’t mean you’re out of work. Hope to see him turn up soon with a good promotion.
I think that Doerkson would be a pretty decent signing for EliteXC.
unless your name is Chcuk Liddell you are not allowed to lose 2 in a row in the UFC
Or Dan Henderson or Chris Leben or Andrei Arlovski or Renato Sobral…
Chris Leben, Dan Henderson & Clay Guilda would disagree with you. I think the issue is that these fighters are fan favourites and bigger draws than Doerkson and will sell more PPV than him. Its just business.
Exactly. If you’re in good fights, the UFC will keep you around.
does anyone think that the UFC is cutting people in MW to make room for people from WEC? the UFC already said that the WEC will be designed for lower weights and theyre gonna get the middle weights and Light heavies.
I think they’re cutting these guys to make room for the TUF contestants. They need fresh blood at MW and people are tired of hearing the same names.
In the end, I think they’ll end up with fighters that aren’t at talented as the guys they’re letting go, but they will have new names and new guys to promote.
Honestly, how excited would you be for a Doerksen / Lutter fight? We know they’re good fighters, but they’ll never be a big draw.
he came in on short notice like horn so the ufc was nice enough to throw him a fight, i am not surprised he was cut horn might be too if he losses to lister
Yeah, they were so happy with the way you fought they want you to leave. They let you go because you are becoming dead weight. At least it is beleivable with CroCop or Sylvia because peole will watch a PPV because they are fighting. Denial is a b*tch huh Joe?
Good luck Joe! A definite veteran.