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While I wouldn't call this an "official" announcement from Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) light heavyweight Joey Beltran, thanking your boss and telling him you're ready for a "new chapter" in your mixed martial arts (MMA) career is undoubtedly a euphemism for "I'm getting the heck outta here."
Thank you to @ufc @danawhite @lorenzofertitta & #JoeSilva for the opportunities you have given me. Time for a new chapter in my fight life.
— joey beltran (@mexicutioner760) October 22, 2013
Cut ... not renewing his contract ... doesn't really matter at this stage.
Beltran (14-9) was released back in early 2012 after a tepid 3-4 run as a 265-pounder inside the Octagon. His balls-to-the-wall style was fan-friendly, as was his ability to absorb punishment. Unfortunately, he was unable to gain any sort of momentum and earned his walking papers after getting put to sleep by Lavar Johnson.
Undaunted, "The Mexicutioner" dropped to light heavyweight and got back to work on the regional scene.
ZUFFA gave him a second look just a few months later, but the Californian lost his return fight against James Te Huna at UFC on FUEL TV 4. He rebounded with a win over Igor Pokrajac last December, only to have it overturned after failing his post-fight drug test.
A loss to Fabio Maldonado earlier this month in Brazil was apparently the straw that broke the camel's back.
The good news is, Beltran is just 31 years old, so he can try to get his career back on track in smaller promotions, who will undoubtedly be willing to capitalize on a "fomer UFC fighter." When and where he fights next, remains to be seen, but Bellator MMA and World Series of Fighting (WSOF) would likely be his top two choices.
Assuming the feeling is mutual.
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