UFC releases Max Rohskopf after promotional debut ended with quitting on stool

Max Rohskopf is no longer part of the UFC roster.

The promotion has cut Rohskopf (5-1 MMA, 0-1 UFC) after one fight, which came on short notice against Austin Hubbard on June 11 at UFC on ESPN 11.

On Wednesday, a person with knowledge of the situation confirmed Rohskopf’s release after an initial report from MMA Fighting.

Rohskopf’s lone UFC fight came to a controversial conclusion. After a competitive first round, Hubbard (12-4 MMA, 2-2 UFC) took control of the fight in Round 2. Throughout the second round, Hubbard took it to Rohskopf, who wasn’t able to answer the onslaught.

In between Rounds 2 and 3, Rohskopf told coach Robert Drysdale to “call it,” signaling he didn’t want to continue. Rohskopf also said “I don’t have it.” Despite Rohskopf’s wishes, Drysdale continued to encourage his fighter until the end of the one-minute period.

When Rohskopf didn’t get off the stool, referee Mark Smith took notice and called timeout. Upon assessing the situation, Smith waived off the fight as Drysdale also indicated the fight should be stopped.

Drysdale later provided insight into his coaching mentality and defended his handling of the situation.

After the event, UFC president Dana White weighed in. He defended Rohskopf from critics but also said the fighter needed to do some soul-searching to figure out his next move.