Dana White (photo by Louis Grasse/Pimimes/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Icon Sportswire via Getty ImagesThe UFC officially ended a few seasons this week as they were separated with Chris Weidman, Tony Ferguson and Alexander Gustafsson. Weidman is a former UFC Middleweight champion.
Ferguson was the temporary lightweight champion in 2017 and Gustafsson fought for the lightweight heavy heavyweight title of UFC twice in Jon Jones in 2013 and Daniel Cormier in 2015.
Will Dana White and UFC recognize their departures in any way? We’ll see.
All three men have already signed and drafted by the Global Fight League for their next season. Ferguson heads to the Los Angeles team, Weidman will take part in the New York team and Gustafsson landed with the London team.
UFC Roster Watch clockThe primary power at the Movement Fighter as part of the promotion, published updates on these three departures and fans quickly shared their thoughts. While some were tough, most of the comments were in a tribute.
UFC fans react to Alexander’s liberation Gustafsson
London, England – July 20: Alexander Gustafsson sets for a portrait during a UFC photo summit … [+]
Zuffa llcA fan replied:
“These uppercuts vs. Glover were insane.”
Reported to the Gustafsson uppercuts series landed at Glover Teixeira in their race in May 2017. Gustafsson won by the fifth round Ko.
Another said:
“Fate is tough. Gustafsson would have made a better champion.”
This was clearly referred to Jon Jones, whom Gustafsson fought and lost twice.
Another fan replied:
“Gus vs. Bones was most likely one of the, if not the best, waste.”
I would agree. The first meeting was the best lightweight championship match in history, and some believe that Gustafsson was worth winning.
UFC fans react to Tony Ferguson’s release
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates – July 31: Tony Ferguson sets for a portrait during a UFC photo … [+]
Zuffa llc through Getty ImagesA fan responded with a gif of a young boy crying to express his frustration. Another used a gif from The office With Michael Scott repeating the word strongly, “no!”
A third said:
“One of the best fighters of his time. It was fun to watch him fight. Nevertheless he was fun.”
A quarter added:
“Great course for Tony. I wish it didn’t end with so many losses.”
Ferguson is apparently underlined to fight in the GFL. We will see if he finds the success he has escaped in the last years of his UFC career. Ferguson is in a record eight -game that has been lost, but sincerely, the competition he will face in GFL is likely at his level at this stage of his career.
It won’t shock me to see him hitting a few wins together.
UFC fans react to Chris Weidman’s release
New York, New York – November 13: Chris Weidman sets for a portrait during a UFC photo session … [+]
Zuffa llcWeidman’s condition had many people. Some believed that when he retired from UFC during the UFC 311 Libra show, it was over. Even Weidman was not sure in which direction he would go.
As it turned out, the GFL arrived after its retirement. A fan showed his love for both Ferguson and Weidman, answering:
“Ferguson and Weidman back on back 😭😭😭.”
Another said:
“Dime. It’s a kind of legend cut.”
He’s right. I’m not sure if UFC has ever said goodbye to this many legends in such a short time. Perhaps the rejected UFC legends will become the GFL treasures. At least that seems to be the plan.