Thomas Gifford announces UFC release following brutal loss to Mike Davis

After suffering back-to-back losses, lightweight Thomas Gifford has announced that he’s been released from his UFC contract.

An Arkansas native, Gifford (17-9 MMA, 0-2 UFC) made his UFC debut in April, losing a unanimous decision to Roosevelt Roberts at UFC on ESPN+ 8. He got a second opportunity when he was initially scheduled to face Brok Weaver at October’s UFC on ESPN+ 19, but a last-second replacement saw Mike Davis step in his place. Gifford suffered a third-round knockout loss.

It was a brutal loss for Gifford, who took a beating throughout the fight, showing incredible heart and toughness. Many criticized referee Andrew Glenn for not intervening and stopping the fight, as Davis was able to deliver the final blow with just 15 seconds remaining in the fight, face-planting Gifford to the canvas. Gifford suffered his second straight loss,and was subsequently released from the promotion.

He took to Now there’s good news and bad.
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Good news first —I have been set up with the best gym in the world, Factory X, with a legendary coach, Marc Montoya, and with Jason House, the best management team in the world, Team Iridium.
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I will be back in the regional scene with a sponsorship banner, so get with me on sponsorships……..which leads me to bad news — Now that I won’t be making the big pay check, I will be back to working and saving up for my training camps back in Colorado.
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GOD’S PLAN NOT MINE”