Sean Shelby to replace matchmaker Joe Silva, UFC adds Mick Maynard as Vice President of Talent Relations

After serving as Joe Silva’s sidekick for quite some time, Sean Shelby has been pegged to replace the longtime UFC executive as Senior Vice President of Talent Relations once Joe retires at the end of the year.

To help Shelby with matchmaking duties, as well as various other tasks, the WME-IMG-owned mixed martial arts (MMA) promotion has hired Mick Maynard as Vice President of Talent Relations.

Maynard has been a promoter since 2006 and was the owner and president of Legacy Fighting Championship which sparked the careers of some of today’s top stars such as Holly Holm and Sage Northcutt, among others.

UFC president Dana White offered up his thoughts on the changes and addition of Maynard via press release:

"Joe Silva’s contributions to the UFC over the last 20 years were huge, and he played a big role in helping make the sport as big as it is today. He left his mark on this sport and I wish him nothing but success in retirement. I’m excited to have Mick on board working alongside Sean. Mick has become one of the most respected people in the fight game and he’s done a great job in finding and developing talent. Sean has been a tremendous asset to the UFC for a long time, and I look forward to working with Sean and Mick in the years to come."

The move probably doesn’t come as a big shock to many, as Maynard was seen on stage during the UFC 203 weigh-ins in Cleveland, Ohio, alongside the rest of the UFC brass.

As for Silva, he will finish off the year as head matchmaker while Shelby will continue with his regular duties as well as assisting Maynard get settled in his new role.

It’s safe to assume at least one person will be happy with the upcoming changes.