Jorge Santiago released by UFC

http://www.bloodyelbow.com/2011/10/18/2497639/ufc-mma-news-jorge-santiago-released
Jorge Santiago has been released by the UFC. The Middleweight fighter is coming off a loss to Demian Maia at UFC 136. Santiago made his return to the UFC earlier this year, losing to Brian Stann at UFC 130 before falling to Maia. This was Santiago's second run in the UFC as he was 1-2 in the company back in 2006.

In the years between his two UFC runs, Santiago established himself
as one of the top Middleweights in the world outside of the UFC, putting
together a solid 11-1 record. His major success came in Japan, where he
claimed the Sengoku Middleweight championship and turned some heads
with a pair of classic fights against Kazuo Misaki. His work in Japan
earned him a lot of respect, and many fans were excited about his return
to the UFC.

At 1-4 in his combined UFC runs, and at nearly 10 years into his pro
career, it's hard to envision Santiago making his way back into the UFC
in the future. Although the Maia fight was a bit lackluster, Santiago
still has the ability to put on very entertaining fights. With Bellator
looking to build up champion Hector Lombard, Santiago would make a fine challenger. The two men are former training partners at American Top Team.

I'm thinking maybe they asked him to take a nice paycut and he didn't go for it. Either way it seems a bit premature.

i saw it coming but i think they should have kept him around as a gateskeeper...


where is Jorge going now? not a lot of options out there for UFC cast offs anymore

I hear Bellator...

Santiago vs Lombard would be pretty sweet.

Two loses and he's already out, seems a bit harsh, especially considering who beat Jorge.

I think money had to be some factor in this. He is still clearly better then plenty of guys still on the UFC roster. I think he could probably beat Bisping.

He would have been a more challenging matchup for Sonnen than Stann if only for his BJJ chops...he's a good fighter but never expected big things for him in returning to the UFC.

KingsOwn19 wrote:

He would have been a more challenging matchup for Sonnen than Stann if only for his BJJ chops...he's a good fighter but never expected big things for him in returning to the UFC.

I was optimistic. Still think he has a nice chance vs Bisping.

Has to be money because I can think of about 30 UFC MW's he'd beat.

I agree..if it was not about money he would have likely been released sometime last week like most guys cut on losses.

Horrible performances in both fights honestly. He just isn't that good, I was kinda excited when he made his way back to the UFC

And money is certainly the deciding factor. He was making around 40k base without a win bonus I believe

this can atleast set up a rubber match wtih Khalidov after Mamed beats Paulo.

http://www.mmamania.com/2012/2/3/2768715/titan-fighting-21-jorge-santiago-vs-leonardo-pecanha-mma-hdnet-fights
Titan Fighting 21: Jorge Santiago vs Leonardo Pecanha booked for March 2 in Kansas City