Francis Carmont Released From UFC After Nine Bouts
After an up-and-down nine-fight UFC career, middleweight Francis Carmont has been released by the promotion today (Wed., September 17, 2014).
Training with former UFC welterweight champion Georges St. Pierre at Montreal’s TriStar Gym, “Limitless” stormed into the UFC with a decision win over Chris Camozzi at UFC 137 in 2011. He followed that up with five more wins in a row, earning him a bout with top-ranked contender Ronaldo “Jacare” Souza at UFC Fight Night 36 in February.
Carmont was dominated on the ground by an injured “Jacare,” losing a decision and starting a chain of events that saw him lose to C.B. Dollaway at UFC Fight Night 41 in May. Carmont got yet another chance to prove himself at August’s UFC Fight Night 49 from Tulsa, Oklahoma, but he was knocked out by resurgent Thales Leites to drop his third straight.
“Limitless” posted the following on his Facebook page:
“I announce that after 6 win and 3 defeat, I am no longer a UFC fighter. However it is with determination that I will continue my career in combat sports. A friend told me, after my loss against Thales, ” You will come to understand it is the best thing that could’ve happen for your career, it’ll make you stronger.” At that moment i did not quiet understand, and after reflecting i came to auto-criticize myself. I come to the conclusion that in sports just like in life, there are many and different stages. By looking for perfection on my technique, i slowly estrange myself from the combat by instinct. Seeking to score points instead of finishing my opponent. My last loss pushes me to grow everyday. Life is a learning path and my career is far from finish. Thank you very much for your constant support.”
The 32-year-old apparently knows what he did wrong and will fight on in another organization. There’ no question that Carmont has some incredible skills in the cage. For him, it may just be an instance of having to regain his killer instinct like he touched on.
But with losses mounting and a decent price tag, the UFC felt that he was no longer profitable to keep around. Did he earn one last chance with his impressive win streak, or was it clearly time to go?
