When Joe Silva stepped down from his UFC matchmaking duties, that left many a pundit scratching their head as to what would happen next. Well, that next is coming and it will happen in 2017, as Legacy FC President Mick Maynard will be added to the mix alongside current matchmaker Sean Shelby.
The news broke on Monday by Jeremy Botter of FloSports and UFC officials confirmed the news with a press release on Tuesday afternoon.
“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,” UFC President Dana White said. “He left his mark on this sport and I wish him nothing but success in retirement.”
Shelby’s role with the company will increase as well, as his job title will be Senior Vice President of Talent Relations. The duties include organizing UFC bouts, developing athletes on the roster, and scouting potential UFC talent.
With Shelby’s knowledge of the company, adding another veteran in Maynard to the table was a logical next step. Maynard began promoting mixed martial arts in 2006 and was the president of Houston-based Legacy Fighting Championship, an organization that helped launched the careers of many athletes including Holly Holm, Henry Cejudo and Sage Northcutt.
“I’m excited to have Mick on board working alongside Sean,” White added. “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.”
“This is an incredible opportunity for me and I’m looking forward to delivering the action-packed, exciting fights that UFC fans have come to expect,” Maynard said.
