Following a loss at the recent UFC on FUEL TYV 5 event, DaMarques Johnson is a UFC fighter no longer.
The welterweight fighter and "The Ultimate Fighter 9" runner-up today confirmed his contractually release via Twitter.
His release follows a three-fight losing streak, though the latest defeat came on late notice with some peculiar details.
Johnson (16-12 MMA, 4-6 UFC), who never went to a decision in 10 career UFC fights, met Gunnar Nelson, and the fight took place at UFC on FUEL TV 5 on just 12 days' notice. The bout, which ended with a first-round loss via rear-naked choke, also came just 56 days after a violent knockout loss to Mike Swick.
Despite little recovery time, the UFC booked him anyway for the overseas event, which took place Sept. 29 at Capital FM Arena in Nottingham, England. While initially signed as a 175-pound catchweight fight, Johnson failed to make weight for the bout and weighed 183 pounds for the contest, which nonetheless was given clearance to proceed.
Johnson, who's based out of Elite Performance in Utah, also failed to make weight for a 2010 fight with Matt Riddle.
Against the fast-rising Nelson, Johnson had little time to work a game plan. After popping Johnson with a quick head kick, Nelson forced to the fight to the mat, where he escaped an omoplata attempt before moving to mount, taking his opponent's back, and ultimately sinking in the rear-naked choke at the 3:34 mark of the opening round.
Johnson gave no indication of what's next for him, but like most released fighters, a few wins on the regional circuit could earn him an invitation back to the UFC.
Source: DaMarques Johnson confirms UFC release