Will Brooks Announces Release from UFC; Signs with PFL

Lightweight contender Will Brooks has announced via his instagram that he has been released from the UFC and has signed with the Professional Fighters League.

Will Brooks Announces Release from UFC

“Ill will” signed a six fight contract with the UFC in June 2016 and debuted as one of the hottest prospects in the 155 pound division. Having beaten Michael Chandler (twice) in Bellator to win the promotion’s lightweight championship, which he defended twice before vacating it to pursue UFC gold, many predicted it would only be a matter of time before Brooks was testing his metal against the cream of the division.

Alas, it was not to be. After cruising to a unanimous decision over Ross Pearson in his UFC debut a month after he signed with the company, Brooks posted three consecutive stoppage losses. He was TKO’d by an overweight Alex Oliveira before tapping to Charles Oliveira and Nick Lentz respectively.

View this post on Instagram

For those of you who have been asking when my next fight is… well, I'm not sure when the next will be but it will not be with the UFC but rather with the @profightleague in the Million Dollar tournament. I've been doing this for a while now and I understand the business side of it. I didn't do the job that was expected of me and like all jobs I was released, rightfully so. Unfortunately, I under performed with the UFC and didn't achieve the goal I wanted to with that opportunity. I regret nothing, I took a chance at something I wanted and came up short. The fighter/competitor in me is highly disappointed with myself for allowing things to get away from me. The UFC chapter is closed for now… I'd like to thank the UFC staff for treating me so well during my employment. From day one I was treated well and with respect. I appreciate that greatly. Now with that being said, I am moving forward toward the next chapter. I'm extremely excited and fired up to be part of the @profighteague and their rebirth. The timing is perfect because I'm in my own rebirth process as well. As always I'm going to represent this organization as professionally as I possibly can. I look forward to being a pivotal part of the PFL's growth in this sport. All praise and glory to God. 1 I lift up my eyes to the mountains— where does my help come from? 2 My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth. – Psalms 121:1-2 At my highest and my lowest, He's been with me and seen me through to lands of milk and honey. Thank you God for blessing me with this incredible opportunity for my family and myself. Now let's go secure this bag!!!! #Godisgood #hardwork #dedication #mma #ufc #PFL #professional #athlete #Godsplan #winningatlife #blackexcellence

A post shared by Will Brooks (@illwavybrooks86) on Feb 14, 2018 at 5:33pm PST

In sharp contrast to his acrimonious departure from Bellator, in the post Brooks thanked the UFC for giving him the opportunity and claimed they were justified in releasing him, writing: “I didn’t do the job that was expected of me and like all jobs I was released, rightfully so.”

Brooks Signs with PFL

Although likely disappointed he will no longer continue with MMA’s premier promotion, Brooks release may ultimately be a blessing in disguise. In signing with the PFL, Brooks puts himself in the running to win $1M in their lightweight tournament, which was announced last year after the promotion was bought out and rebranded. 

Hard dates for the tournament have not yet been announced, but according to the PFL’s website the initial round of fights will take place over June to August, before the “playoffs” in October and the championship in December.