Joey Beltran
Heavyweight cut by UFC after knockout loss
After losing at UFC on Fox: Evans vs. Davis, heavyweight slugger Joey Beltran‘s days in the Ultimate Fighting Championship are over for now.
Following his knockout loss to Lavar Johnson, who was making his UFC debut after crossing over from Strikeforce, Beltran found himself with a 1-4 record over his last five contests.
Beltran confirmed the news of his release on his Twitter account on Wednesday.
Prior to the loss to Johnson, Beltran was defeated by Stipe Miocic in a bout that was much more competitive than many expected. Before that, he defeated Aaron Rosa by technical knockout at UFC 131, a win that snapped a two-fight losing streak to Matt Mitrione and Pat Barry.
Speaking to Fighters Only, Beltran said he understood the reasons for his release and made a promise to his fans they would be seeing him again soon.
The next chapter in his career may involve a drop to the light heavyweight division after facing much larger opponents in the heavyweight class.