The Mac
04-22-2010, 07:42 PM
Paul Buentello was released today Ultimate Fighting Championship officials gave the former top heavyweight contender his official release, according to his manager, Ellis Pacheco Buentello's contractual status was previously in limbo after a loss to Cheick Kongo at UFC on Versus 1.
Pacheco said the promotion remains on good terms with the fighter and may re-sign him after he amasses a few wins in smaller promotions. To that end, Buentello (27-12 MMA, 3-3 UFC) has agreed to headline Shark Fights 11 on May 22 in his hometown of Amarillo, Texas, against undefeated prospect Bryan Humes (6-0).
Shark Fights president and matchmaker Brent Medley said the two fighters have agreed to face each other and are expected to sign bout agreements shortly.
Buentello suffered a "three-point dislocation" in his right hand en route to a second consecutive octagon loss against Kongo (he lost to Stefan Struve by majority decision at UFC 107)., Buentello expressed anger at Kongo's takedown-centered attack and vowed to change his game to include ground work, something he had previously shunned.
"I've got that high Mexican ego, and I don't want to take anyone down, live the life of 'The Headhunter,' and it's just not working any more," he said.
Pacheco said a second Buentello fight is in the works for June 19 with another regional promotion but gave no further details.
Buentello fought Andrei Arlovski for the UFC heavyweight title at UFC 55 and lost via knockout. Despite a subsequent win over Gilbert Aldana at UFC 57, he was released from the promotion in 2006 and fought for Strikeforce and Affliction before re-signing with the UFC in the wake of Affliction's collapse this past August.
Pacheco said the promotion remains on good terms with the fighter and may re-sign him after he amasses a few wins in smaller promotions. To that end, Buentello (27-12 MMA, 3-3 UFC) has agreed to headline Shark Fights 11 on May 22 in his hometown of Amarillo, Texas, against undefeated prospect Bryan Humes (6-0).
Shark Fights president and matchmaker Brent Medley said the two fighters have agreed to face each other and are expected to sign bout agreements shortly.
Buentello suffered a "three-point dislocation" in his right hand en route to a second consecutive octagon loss against Kongo (he lost to Stefan Struve by majority decision at UFC 107)., Buentello expressed anger at Kongo's takedown-centered attack and vowed to change his game to include ground work, something he had previously shunned.
"I've got that high Mexican ego, and I don't want to take anyone down, live the life of 'The Headhunter,' and it's just not working any more," he said.
Pacheco said a second Buentello fight is in the works for June 19 with another regional promotion but gave no further details.
Buentello fought Andrei Arlovski for the UFC heavyweight title at UFC 55 and lost via knockout. Despite a subsequent win over Gilbert Aldana at UFC 57, he was released from the promotion in 2006 and fought for Strikeforce and Affliction before re-signing with the UFC in the wake of Affliction's collapse this past August.