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[Sakara=Excitement]

MMAjunkie.com

Bellator has cut ties with another former champion.

First-ever Bellator bantamweight titleholder Zach Makovsky recently confirmed via Twitter that the promotion has released him.

In his past two outings, Makovsky (14-4 MMA, 6-2 BFC) lost his title to Eduardo Dantas, and then earlier this month, "Fun Size" suffered a narrow split-decision defeat to Anthony Leone.

"Honestly shocked but thank you for the opportunity @BellatorMMA @BjornRebney" Makovsky tweeted.

Makovsky, an NCAA Division I wrestler at Drexel University who now fights out of Philadelphia, became Bellator's first 135-pound champion after winning a Season 3 tournament, where he defeated Nick Mamalis, Bryan Goldsby and Ed West. He also picked up non-title wins over Chad Robichaux and Ryan Roberts as part of an overall eight-fight win streak.

The 29-year-old, though, then suffered the submission loss to Dantas and the close defeat to Leone.

As Bellator moves from MTV2 to Spike TV next month, the company's roster continues to change. In fact, few of its inaugural champions remain with the promotion. Welterweight Lyman Good and light heavyweight Christian M'Pumbu are still on the roster. However, featherweight Joe Soto eventually moved on to fight at Tachi Palace Fights, middleweight Hector Lombard signed with the UFC earlier this year, and heavyweight Cole Konrad announced a surprise retirement in September. Additionally, lightweight Eddie Alvarez and women's 115-pound champion Zoila Gurgel are exploring free-agency options.

Makovsky also is expected to explore the free-agency market.

[Sakara=Excitement]

*posted from phone. Fell victim to auto correct.

[Bearded Big Country]

Really hope the UFC picks this guy up, enjoyed his fights.

[disposableassassin]

Originally Posted by Sakara=Excitement

*posted from phone. Fell victim to auto correct.

Yeah before I opened the thread I was thinking what the hell is bellagio? And who cares about who they release?

[Fe1]

Originally Posted by Bearded Big Country

Really hope the UFC picks this guy up, enjoyed his fights.

Me too but he'll probably need a couple more wins.

Does UFC ever sign anyone coming off of a loss?

[KevoOnTheRadio]

Originally Posted by Fe1

Me too but he'll probably need a couple more wins.

Does UFC ever sign anyone coming off of a loss?

Mark Hunt. Kimbo Slice. Just off the top of my head.

[Fe1]

Originally Posted by KevoOnTheRadio

Mark Hunt. Kimbo Slice. Just off the top of my head.

Mark Hunt was because of contractual obligations from Pride and Kimbo was from fighting on TUF.

[KevoOnTheRadio]

Originally Posted by Fe1

Mark Hunt was because of contractual obligations from Pride and Kimbo was from fighting on TUF.

Yup. But they both still lost their previous professional MMA fight.

[TheKidInside]

I feel bad for my buddy Zack but it's definitely Bellator's loss. He had an ankle/knee/hip (gate) injury in his last and his fight with Dantes was ultra competitive. He'll be wrecking fools in the UFC FLYweight division shortly!

[joeodd2]

this was a dumb move by bellator. It's not like that division is briming with talented fighters...he could use guys like Zach to build up interest and contenders in the division. Losing the title and a split decision loss wouldn't even get a guy kicked out of the UFC....there has to be more to this story...