Four Years Later, Edimilson ‘Kevin’ Souza Still Perplexed by UFC's Decision to Let Him Go

To this day Edimilson Souza’s departure from the UFC is a mystery.

The Brazilian featherweight did not have his contract renewed despite winning three of his first four bouts in the Las Vegas-based promotion from 2013 to 2015. After almost four years, he is unclear of the reasoning for the UFC’s decision. But he believes that if he were competing in the Octagon today he would be among the best in his division.

"I have no doubt [that I would be at the top of the featherweights]. I look at my category today in the UFC and I see it was for me to be among the top 5 in the division, easy, no problem at all,” said Souza. "I have the ability to return to the UFC and Future [Fighting Championships] will be my new gateway."

“Kevin” Souza will make his debut in Future against Denis Silva on June 28. According to the projection of the 34-year-old fighter, this will be the first step of the return mission to the UFC.

"The plan is to win this fight against ‘Alagoas,’ get the title shot, be the champion and return to the UFC later this year. If it does not happen, I will defend the belt once a month, if that's the case. If the year goes by and the UFC does not look for me, I see the best proposals from abroad or, if Future offers me a bigger purse, I stay with the promotion,” he revealed. “They have a good proposal, you see they want to do a serious thing. It is not that event that offers millions to athletes, but it does not devalue us either. It is a well done, well-organized event, just like the big events in the world. Future today is the showcase."

In addition to the debut of “Kevin Souza,” Future FC 6 will be headlined by a welterweight title tilt between Luiz Cado Simon and Wendell Giacomo. To watch all the fights live and in high definition, download the Future App, available for free on Google Play and the App Store.