Following Recent Losses, Burns, Schoonover, Nelson, Garcia, Wren, and Jones Cut From UFC Roster
Following events on back to back weekends earlier this month, the UFC has released several fighters from their contracts following losing performances. Joining the ranks of former UFC fighters this time around are Darrill Schoonover, Marcus Jones, and Justin Wren following their The Ultimate Fighter 10 Finale losses, as well as Kevin Burns, Edgar Garcia, and Shane Nelson who were defeated at UFC 107, according to a report on The Underground
Schoonover, Jones, and Wren were contestants on season 10 of The Ultimate Fighter and were given one last chance at the UFC on the season’s finale card, but were all defeated. Schoonover suffered a third round TKO at the hands of James McSweeney in his final bout before shipping off to Afghanistan. Jones was knocked out by Matt Mitrione in the second round of their contest, leading to his dismissal from the promotion, and has since announced his retirement from MMA. Wren lost a decision to Jon Madsen at the event.
Burns, Nelson, and Garcia all were defeated in action on December 12 at UFC 107. Burns suffered his third straight loss at the hands of TJ Grant, suffering a first round TKO. Nelson lost a hard fought decision to Matt Wiman, but since it was his second straight loss was also given his walking papers. Garcia lost to DaMarques Johnson for his second straight UFC loss, despite having Johnson in a peruvian necktie early, he fell victim to a fight ending triangle choke late in the first round.
Pictured: Kevin Burns
Tags: Darrill Schoonover, Edgar Garcia, Justin Wren, Kevin Burns, Marcus Jones, Shane Nelson
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With injury problems i’m sort of suprised at the amount of cuts lately. This looks like a good batch to let go though. I don’t think strikeforce will pick up any of these guys either, not much promise in the lot.
I think Marcus Jones could have had a future in this sport, if he’d gotten with the right camp, and the right promotion. Starting in the UFC HW division is like jumping into the deep end of the pool holding a bowling ball, in that you have nowhere to go but down.
If Jones could have levelled his standup to even a fraction of his ground game, he could have found fights in Japan or Strikeforce after his TUF appearance.
Now it appears as if he’s retiring, or being cut, or both, or whatever…
I hear what your saying but i’de like to respectfully disagree. He’s 36 which in pro sports is over the hill and even with a good camp their is only so much you can learn.
The thing that you can’t learn and that hurt Marcus is that he couldn’t take a punch. In the heavy weight division that is bread and butter. Jcohl i don’t want to offend you but I think that is alot of the reason why couture has gone back to 205. Not saying they don’t swing heavy leather in that div. it just seems that it’s easier for him to close the distance and work his clinch game without being samsquanched by huge guys like Marcus.
Also did I mention the guy looked like a big black mummy while engaging in standup. I guess what i’m saying is he definatly was to old and not well rounded enough to really be a star in any promotion. I will say though that he had an indearing personality which brought him alot of fans including me, but just lack of game, chin, and time to fully learn the sport.
and I have to respectfully disagree with you as well my friend ;)
Marcus may not have ever been a champ but could have had a good run. His problem was less his chin and more hand placement and head movement. His defenses could have been molded by a good striking coach into at least moderate level defender. He takes way too many punches for anyone to be successful in this sport. I’m not saying he’d been Anderson Silva but he could have been better served with a good striking coach. He’d be more successful in grappling comps for sure but he COULD have fixed his striking.
Also the Randy comment is a little off base. Randy was pretty much told cut or retire. He’s a small heavy taking a lot of punishment from the big guns and even though he did a great job with Brock early the massive weight differential with many of the top guys in the division would have limited his chances to win many fights against them as time went on.
The plain truth, regardless of whether or not Marcus Jones could’ve gained traction in MMA, was that his endearing personality somewhat colored my opinion of the man as a fighter, which I usually try to avoid doing.
Wherever life takes Marcus Jones, I wish him well…
I’m not happy about Schoonover getting cut. As I’ve stated in the forums, I thought this was a great chance to show support for one of our American heroes…this guy lost on the TUF finale and is probably over in the Middle East already. I would have liked to have seen Dana come out publicly to acknowledge him, and give him a fight when he comes back. Instead, he cuts the guy. I RARELY criticize Dana, as I truly believe MMA is better off with him at the helm, but this just gets to me. I guess that’s just me….
I completely agree – however, all I can think is that holding his roster spot while on duty could prevent another fighter from getting a chance (not sure if there is a limited # of spots). Perhaps Dana has every intention of giving him a shot once he’s back. But it sure would have been nice to keep him on the roster, if only for morale.
I would have to disagree. Why would Dana keep him? He lost his last two fights and both were in a form of KO. His last fight was lackluster for the most part and just because he’s defending our country doesn’t mean Dana HAS to keep him. I believe Schoonover fighting MMA and fighting over seas are separate from each other. Luigi Fiorvanti was good fighter and a vet but after suffering too many losses he was cut. I don’t mean any disrespect btw but from a professional standpoint Dana hs to trim the fat so to speak, he isn’t obligated to keep these fighters regardless of their military history.
On top of that, how well will the dude fight when he comes back? Its not like he will be in MMA training between then and now.
I hear what you’re saying and sort of agree, however I think that many of these cuts aren’t even handled by Dana. I’m sure he has some over ride power, but Joe Silva is the VP of talent relations. He books guys in, books fights, and kicks guys out.
Brian Stann isn’t exactly getting headlining status with the UFC and he’s a Silver Star recipient. It’s sport where hype drives the bottom line but at the end of the day it comes down to can put on a good fight and Darrill didn’t really show that he could.
Tough break for Burns. After that sub over Carneiro I thought we were looking at one of the next big threats in the WW div.
He should do well outside of the UFC though.
Hope Wren gets some good expierience in the smaller shows, he’s showed promise even in defeat.