Brandon Davis not surprised by UFC release, learned valuable lesson in first stint

Brandon Davis was released from the UFC in December.

A signee off of the inaugural season of “Dana White’s Contender Series,” Davis (10-8) compiled a 2-5 promotional record with wins over current roster members Randy Costa and Steven Peterson. After losing four of five bouts, Davis was released, which did not come as a surprise to the Mississippi-based featherweight.

“It didn’t really surprise me, though I had Jon Anik and (others) messaging me like, ‘Man, I don’t think they’ll cut you,’ as did a couple other people,” Davis told MMA Junkie. “I was like, ‘I think they’re going to.’ Other people were more surprised than I was.”

While Davis isn’t overly disappointed in his departure, the manner in which the events played out does irk him. His two most recent fights he lost by split decision – fights he thought he won.

“I just thought I’d won some of those split decisions I’d lost,” Davis said. “That’s what sucks, but other than that, it is what it is. I’m not super bummed out about it. I didn’t really get tooled by anyone in there – I guess Enrique Barzola was the only one. He beat me all three rounds. Other than that, nobody beat me all three rounds.

“I know I’m good enough to be in there, so I’ll work my way back. … I’m not mad at the UFC. I’ll get back one day or another.”

With his first UFC stint in the rear-view mirror, Davis is using it as a learning experience. Over the span of his UFC tenure, Davis figured out the dos and donts of major league MMA. For example, he should use his grappling more in fights – and he shouldn’t take so many short-notice fights. Five of his seven UFC appearances were taken on less than a full camp’s notice.

“Don’t take so many short-notice fights,” Davis said. “They’re not always going to reward you because you did.”

Davis has already tested his short-notice offer self-restraint. Shortly after his release, he was offered a fight in PFL – up a weight class on weeks’ notice. Davis declined. Going forward, he’d be interested in fighting for PFL, BKFC, or going back to the regional scene. A full camp, however, is a must.

“If PFL says to me something else, then I’m down to do PFL,” Davis said. “I wouldn’t mind winning a million dollars. Other than that, I’ll take some regional fights, too. I’ve gotten hit up by the guy from BKFC. They want me to do something with that, too. I don’t know. I’ll keep my options open. If I got fights looking good for me, I’m going to take them.”