Will Brooks Cut By UFC, Signs With PFL

Will Brooks thought he would have his big break when the former Bellator lightweight champion jumped to the UFC, but on Wednesday Brooks would be cut by the company.

Per MMA Fighting, Brooks announced via instagram that he was cut by the UFC, but has signed up with the Professional Fighters League, and has entered their $1 million tournament, more than likely as a lightweight competitor

Brooks wrote that, “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.”

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

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

Brooks was riding a winning streak heading into his UFC debut in 2016, against Ross Pearson. But following his victory against Pearson, Brooks would fall in three straight fights, culminating in a second round submission to Nik Lentz at UFC Sydney.

“Unfortunately, I under performed with the UFC and didn’t achieve the goal I wanted to with that opportunity,” Brooks wrote. “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.”

Brooks held the Bellator lightweight title from 2014 to his final fight in the promotion in 2015,  soon after asking for his release in May 2016, citing unhappiness with how he was treated.

Brooks’ signing comes off the heels of PFL signing a deal with NBC Sports Group and Facebook set to begin on June 7th and ending on December 31st.

Original Story: MMA Fighting