The 2021 lightweight champion announced his release via social media on Monday.
“I would like to announce that I’m no longer part of the PFL, but also thank [PFL] for all these years with the promotion,” Manfio wrote (translation via MMAFighting.com). “We came in from the front door and left with my head held high knowing it wasn’t the way we wanted to end this season, but the year isn’t over yet.”
Manfio’s PFL tenure comes to a close in disappointing fashion. In his last appearance, Manfio dropped a unanimous decision to longtime friend and training partner Natan Schulte at PFL 6 on June 23. The bout was criticized for its lack of activity, which resulted in both Manfio and Schulte being suspended by the organization. Additionally, Schulte was removed from the postseason, with Shane Burgos taking his place.
Manfio enjoyed his fair share of success in the PFL, too. Most notably, “Cavalo de Guerra” capped off a 4-0 2021 campaign by besting Loik Radzhabov at the PFL Championships to win the lightweight crown. The former Titan FC title holder is went 6-2 with the PFL and owns a 17-5 mark as a professional overall.