Luke Barnatt Expected To Be Released From The UFC
After being eliminated in the quarterfinals of The Ultimate Fighter (TUF) 17, Luke Barnatt surprised many by winning three straight fights inside of the Octagon. However, “Bigslow” has now hit some rough times, losing three straight bouts and actually being released from the UFC last week.
Speaking on this week’s edition of the MMA Hour with Ariel Helwani, Barnatt revealed that he expected to be released. He said that he understands the UFC’s decision and understands that he can’t be losing fights:
“I completely expected it after the last three that I had. I had a glimmering hope in the back of my mind that they might take into account the Sean Strickland fight that was not really a loss. But you know, it’s the fight business and I’ve lost three in a row.
“If the UFC aren’t interested and they think I need to go away and win some fights, then I’m not going to beg for my job. I understand where they’re at. They have 600+ fighters on the roster. You can’t be losing fights.”
As for what’s next for the Brit, he says that the power is in his hands, and he’s weighing out his options. “Bigslow” also stated that when in the UFC, a fighter doesn’t have much power, saying that when the UFC calls, one fights, but outside the UFC, a fighter has the ability to seek more options:
“I’m just weighing out all my options. I’m getting all of the offers in and I’m going to pick the best one that suits me the best. One of the great things about not being with the UFC is you have a little bit more power, you know? You have more choice. You’re the fighter, it’s up to you. You’re the boss. When you’re with the UFC, it doesn’t really work like that. You wait for the phone and if it calls, it’s great. If it rings, it’s great. But when you’re outside the UFC, you have a bit more power. So I’m going to negotiate my way through and find the best option for me.”
Barnatt, who only started mixed martial arts (MMA) six years ago, looked back at his time inside of the Octagon, and believes it was just a bit too early for him. On the contrary, however, “Bigslow” doesn’t regret anything, saying it’s something he needs to go through:
“If you look at my career, I started mixed martial arts when I was 21 years old,” Barnatt said. “I never did anything else before that. I didn’t do boxing, Thai boxing, anything. I just went into MMA. It was only six years ago, so within six years I had some fights, turned pro in 2011 in September, and got to the UFC faster than anyone I know. I got there very, very quickly and had a good little run, and I think, to be honest, it was just a bit too early for me. I did it all very quickly and I took to it quite well.
“I don’t regret a thing I’ve done,” Barnatt continued. “I think I’ve had a fantastic journey. Getting let go by the UFC, a lot of people see it as failure. It’s failing in an aspect, but it’s not like a negative thing for me. I think it’s just part of the journey. It’s something I need to do. It’s something I need to go through.”
At the end of the day, Barnatt is proud of what he’s done, and looks back on his journey with the UFC with happiness, but also notes that he will be back:
“I’ve been to great places. I’ve traveled the world, I’ve fought on three different continents in the UFC, and I feel like I’ve really been a good ambassador for them across Europe and all over. So I’m very, very proud of it and I wouldn’t change it for anything. I’ve tasted what I want to do. I’ve tasted my dream. I just need to make sure I get back there.”
Will the British slugger make his way back to the Octagon?
