Jardine: ‘My Career Is at a Crossroads’

For the first time in nearly five years, Keith Jardine’s name is no longer part of the active UFC roster.

Jardine was cut from the promotion following his fourth consecutive setback -- a majority decision defeat to Matt Hamill at “The Ultimate Fighter” 11 Finale on June 19 at the Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas. The news, though not unexpected, still hit Jardine hard.

“I was sad to get the news, but it was expected.” Jardine wrote in a blog post at www.keithjardine.net. “I’ve always been proud to be a UFC fighter, and they have been real good to me. I can’t help but to feel a bit like I’m losing a family.”

Losses to Hamill, former light heavyweight champion Quinton “Rampage” Jackson, American Top Team’s Thiago Silva and “The Ultimate Fighter” Season 8 winner Ryan Bader set the stage for Jardine’s release. Based out of Jackson’s Mixed Martial Arts in Albuquerque, N.M., the 34-year-old has not won a bout since he notched a split decision against Brandon Vera at UFC 89 nearly two years ago.

“As for now, I’m more motivated than ever,” Jardine wrote. “I’m going to take a vacation for a week [and] then get back to work. Already, there are a lot of offers for fights coming [in]. Some are exciting. Starting over doesn’t sound so bad to me. Although my career is at a crossroads, my story is only half written.”

Despite his recent slide, Jardine holds victories over a pair of former UFC light heavyweight titleholders: Chuck Liddell and Forrest Griffin. He believes he has some gas left in the tank.

“I have a lot of fight left in me, and I continue to improve with every fight,” Jardine wrote. “Anyway, I’m best when the chips are stacked against me, and I will make it to the top.”