UFC releases Pinoy fighter Dave Galera

MANILA, Philippines – Filipino fighter Dave Galera is no longer part of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) roster as the world’s premier mixed martial arts (MMA) promotion has handed him the pink slip along with four others.

Galera (5-1), a 36-year-old standout who was born in the United States but now competes and trains out of Baguio City, personally confirmed his release from the company to Rappler on Thursday evening, July 31.

“Well, I was cut by the UFC on July 1. There’s nothing to worry about because it’s business. I know there are a lot of MMA promotions out there. It’s still a blessing,” he said.

The 5-foot-11 “Scarecrow” was known for his stellar run in the Philippine-based organization Universal Reality Combat Championship (URCC), where he won the interim bantamweight title with a technical knockout victory over Reydon Romero at URCC 23: Unrivaled in April 2013.

Galera’s title-winning performance and five-fight winning streak in URCC served as his footstool to be noticed by the UFC.

The highly-touted Team Lakay combatant made his first Octagon appearance this past January at UFC Fight Night 34 in Singapore, where he tasted his first-ever defeat by yielding to hometown favorite Royston Wee via unanimous decision.

Galera revealed the he decided to put his prizefighting career on hold due to personal reasons and also added that Team Lakay head trainer Mark Sangiao had already given his consent.

“I’m putting my MMA career on hold for now. I’ve been busy with other things lately. I already talked to Coach Mark about it and he just gave his approval. He reminded me to let him know whenever I’m ready to fight again,” he shared.

Aside from Galera, it was announced that the UFC has terminated the contracts of Colton Smith, Pat Healy, Estevan Payan and Chris Indich. – Rappler.com