Markus Perez asked for his release from the UFC to reset career – and got it

Markus Perez is looking for a fresh start.

The Brazilian middleweight no longer is with the UFC after asking to be released from the company. The news of the release was confirmed on Friday by MMA Junkie following an initial report from MMA Fighting.

Perez (12-5 MMA) parted ways with the Las-Vegas based company in hopes to restart his career. He said he didn’t think he was up to the caliber found in the UFC.

“My situation is delicate, but I’m not afraid,” Perez said in Portuguese to AF Fight prior to the termination of his contract. “I even think the UFC should fire me. I don’t think it’s right for a guy with two wins and five losses to stay hired, taking the opportunity from someone who’s fighting well. I don’t deserve to be in the UFC right now. I don’t deserve it. They should let me go. I need to leave, solve my problems, win some fights so I can come back. That’s how I’ll be able to say I’m starting my life here (in the UFC). They haven’t talked to me, but I’m sure (I’ll be fired). I didn’t show them who I am.”

Perez, who stood out on the UFC roster by his imitation of the fictional Batman villain The Joker, entered the UFC unbeaten and coming off an LFA title fight win over Ian Heinisch in 2017. He now leaves the UFC on a three-fight losing skid.

Perez compiled a record of 2-5 in the UFC with submission wins over Anthony Hernadez and James Bochnovic. The 30-year-old lost a unanimous decision to Dalcha Lungiambula at UFC on ESPN 20 in January.