The Weekly Wrap: Sept. 18 - Sept. 24

Escudero Cut

Efrain Escudero became the second “The Ultimate Fighter” winner to be cut from the UFC following his submission loss to Charles Oliveira on Sept. 15.

While Season 4 winner Travis Lutter was released, Escudero is the first relatively home-grown TUF champion to gain national recognition and a contract on the show and then be cut. Lutter had an entire UFC stint under his belt before joining the Season 4 cast, which featured all UFC veterans. Escudero, 24, was undefeated in his MMA career prior to a loss to surging contender Evan Dunham in January. He missed weight by five pounds for the Oliveira fight.

Escudero paired the announcement of his release with word that his management was already talking with Strikeforce and Bellator Fighting Championships. He told MMAJunkie.com the split with the UFC was amicable. UFC President Dana White told MMAFighting.com he felt Escudero was “getting too comfortable” and was underperforming after receiving promotional attention that saw him spotlighted in Mexico.

It was the second surprising UFC cut in the past two weeks. The promotion recently released buzzed-about heavyweight prospect Todd Duffee, a move White told MMAFighting.com was attributed to the fighter’s “horrible attitude” and lack of interest in competing. The company also cut Tomasz Drwal and John Gunderson after losses at UFC Fight Night 22.