Thomas Gifford Announces Release From UFC Following 0-2 Stint

Mike Davis (8-2) is one frightening Florida Man. "Beast Boy" caps an uncomfortably violent but utterly impressive performance, faceplanting a too-tough Thomas Gifford late in round three for his inaugural UFC win. He has finished each of his triumphs, seven by knockout. #UFCTampa pic.twitter.com/DxuW3VxjfJ

— Kyle Johnson (@VonPreux) October 12, 2019

Thomas Gifford is no longer a member of the Ultimate Fighting Championship.

The 27-year-old fighter announced his release through an Instagram post on Tuesday.

Gifford went 0-2 during his brief stint with the promotion. In his last fight, he lost to by knockout to Mike Davis in the third round at UFC Fight Night 161 on Oct. 12. It was a dominating performance for Davis, who knocked down Gifford several times in the contest. Many fans, fighters and media called for the fight to be stopped after the first or second round, but neither Gifford’s corner nor referee Andrew Glenn halted the bout, and Gifford was knocked out cold in Round 3.

In his other UFC appearance, Gifford lost by decision to Roosevelt Roberts. The 27-year-old is 17-9 with two no-contests in his career.

Gifford said his plan is to go back to the regional circuit and will continue to work with head trainer Marc Montoya as his career progresses.

View this post on Instagram

I started at the lowest of lows. Just a 13 year old kid being bullied in high school. Joined a boxing gym to learn how to fight, but little did I know how I would fall in love with fighting in the way that I have. I set out a goal to be a pro fighter I wanted to be on tv one day. So my father said, “Put God first in everything you do and you can do it.” I followed his foot steps like I was taught. I accomplished what I set out to do. SPREAD GODS WORD ON THE BIGGEST MMA PLATFORM. I grew up to the man that I am today because of him keeping me on the right path with God’s word..............the point of this long story is because I have been released from the UFC Now there’s good news and bad. . Good news first —I have been set up with the best gym in the world, Factory X, with a legendary coach, Marc Montoya, and with Jason House, the best management team in the world, Team Iridium. . I will be back in the regional scene with a sponsorship banner, so get with me on sponsorships........which leads me to bad news — Now that I won’t be making the big pay check, I will be back to working and saving up for my training camps back in Colorado. . GOD’S PLAN NOT MINE

A post shared by Thomas Gifford (@thomas_gifford_mma) on Nov 4, 2019 at 7:20am PST