After a gutty and hard-fought win over Mac Danzig at UFC Fight Night 17: "Lauzon vs. Stephens" earlier this year, 25-year-old mixed martial arts veteran Josh Neer had inked a four-fight contract extension that was expected to keep the lightweight dynamo with the UFC for an additional four fights.
The promotion would only give him two.
After losing to Gleison Tibau at UFC 104: "Machida vs. Shogun," his second straight loss since the Danzig fight, "The Dentist" has been released from his UFC contract.
Neer rejoined the UFC after posting a 2-3 record in his first run (2005-2006). During his layoff, he won six of seven fights outside the promotion before returning to the Octagon and defeating Din Thomas by unanimous decision at UFC Fight Night 13. He followed that up with a split decision loss to Nate Diaz, but not before earning "Fight of the Night" in their three-round war at UFC Fight Night 15 back in September.
Neer, who promises "Win, lose or draw I’m going to bring it," would go on to nab his second straight "Fight of the Night" against Danzig, which no doubt prompted the UFC to hold on to the gritty warrior for his efforts inside the cage and his ability to electrify the crowd with his aggressiveness.
It apparently was not enough.
Prior to the Tibau fight, Neer was coming off a frustrating unanimous decision loss to Kurt Pellegrino at UFC 101 on Aug. 8, during which he was stifled by the wrestling and ground skills of "Batman" for most of the 15-minute scrap.
His ability to electrify the crowd with his aggressiveness is among the best in the division; however, he had a difficult time sparking fireworks against opponents with strong wrestling and jiu-jitsu.
What the future has in store for this talent is unknown, but it's hard to imagine that he'll be unemployed for very long. With the right match-up, Neer will always deliver.
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