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UFC legends Chuck Liddell and Matt Hughes laid off by promotion, other employees miss the cut

Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

Nobody is safe! New Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) ownership, WME-IMG, continues to make promotional cuts, recently laying off Octagon legends Chuck Liddell and Matt Hughes, per a report by MMA Fighting. The former UFC kingpins were part of a group of 10-15 employees who were relieved of duty earlier this week.

As two of the most dominant champions in promotional history, Liddell and Hughes combined for a staggering 11 total title defenses. Liddell, who served as UFC executive vice president of business development, is one of the biggest draws the UFC has ever showcased, while Hughes, who held the position of vice president of athlete development and government relations, is widely considered the greatest welterweight fighter of all time, passing the divisional torch to a rising Georges St-Pierre.

"The UFC has been great to me," Hughes told MMA Fighting. "Times change, and I understand the decision that was made. I will move on. My family and I are fine. I do love adventure, and who knows what's next for me."

MMA Fighting was unable to get in contact with Liddell, who hasn't been quiet this year when the microphone was on.

Stick with Mania as more reaction becomes available.

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