MMA

Jacob Volkmann Released By UFC, Says Move Was Joe Silva’s Decision

posted February 20, 2013 by Nate Lawson

Jacob Volkmann

"Christmas" released by UFC

In a somewhat surprising move, the Ultimate Fighting Championship released lightweight Jacob Volkmann.

The fighter announced the news via Twitter late last night.

Was just cut from the UFC today.I want to thank the fans, and say i gave it my all.No regrets.

— Jacob Volkmann (@JacobVolkmann) February 20, 2013

Volkmann's release comes on the heels of a submission loss to Strikeforce import Bobby Green at UFC 156.

Nicknamed "Christmas," Volkmann did not quickly earn his stay with the UFC, losing back-to-back contests at welterweight before dropping to 155 lbs. At lightweight, he was a changed fighter, earning five consecutive wins between March of 2010 and December of 2011.

However, he has lost two of his last three contests. Paul Sass submitted him at UFC 146, while the aforementioned Green tapped him out at UFC 156. In between the losses, he defeated Shane Roller via rear-naked choke last October.

But his career in the UFC -- though he could return at some point -- likely will not be remembered by his win-loss record, but rather by his post-fight speeches and political agenda.

In one particular instance, the lightweight called out U.S. President Barack Obama, saying that he was the man he wanted to fight next. The Secret Service responded to the matter, visiting Volkmann to discuss his statement.

Early this morning, Volkmann revealed that UFC president Dana White did not release him. Instead, UFC matchmaker Joe Silva was the one to give him the axe.