Often times, there is a trend of fighters just released from the UFC losing their first fight back in the regional scene. There are various reasons for this — fighters no longer with the UFC may have to work a day-job and can’t focus on their training as much; they choose to not train and prepare as much as they would for a UFC fight; or they simply underestimate their opponents.
Recent examples include Chris Dempsey, who was TKO’d on his first fight since his UFC release GOTC MMA 21 earlier this month, Marcus Brimage losing a decision at Road FC 29, Joe Merritt submitting at RFA 33, Akbarh Arreola getting TKO’d at Pancrase 277, and Ruan Potts losing twice in 2015 before finally getting back into the winning column this month. (Note: Although the above reasons are realistic and could have been the case, I am in no way saying all of the listed fighters lost their respective fights for only those reasons and none else).
While many have succumbed after their release, this didn’t happen to Mike Rhodes, a three-time UFC veteran who was let go after a late-2014 submission loss to Erick Silva. “Biggie” returned to the regional circuit afterwards and has since picked up four consecutive victories, including a second-round submission of Rakim Cleveland at Victory FC 51 last weekend to capture the middleweight title.
Now in a new weight class at 185 lbs, Rhodes believes he is a completely different fighter with a more well-rounded skill-set since his UFC days. The 26-year-old is smarter, has developed as a fighter and has been more outspoken as of late. He believes another UFC call at this point, is inevitable.
“Four wins in a row, three of four finishes,” he told BloodyElbow.com. “Yes, I think the UFC needs to call me. I was company guy when I was there and I deserve to be there.”
With so many UFC cards nowadays, it is nearly guaranteed a middleweight fight scheduled to occur within the next few months will fall through due to injury. Rhodes knows that and plans to get back into the gym right away off his recent win and stay in shape in-case the UFC comes calling, looking for a short notice replacement.
“I'm going right back to training helping Tyron Woodley get his title so I’ll be in championship round shape,” he said. “So a fight anytime they call me won't be late notice. I'll already be expecting the call and my weight will be down. I’m ready to not just show up, but show out and get a win.
“UFC Sioux Falls would be great but Chicago or any card anywhere, anytime. I'll fight anybody in the world and truly believe I can beat anyone in that cage on any night.”