18-1 fighter who was unexpectedly cut by the UFC signs contract with rival promotion

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18-1 fighter who was unexpectedly cut by the UFC signs contract with rival promotion

Originally posted on Bloody Elbow | By Jordan Ellis | Last updated Jun 2, 2026 11:11 AM ET

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Daniel Marcos has been quickly snapped up following his shock release from the UFC.

The 18-1 bantamweight was one of four fighters removed from the UFC during Dana White‘s latest roster purge.

Daniel Marcos left the MMA’s premier promotion with a 5-1 (1 NC) record after making seven Octagon appearances.

Daniel Marcos joins PFL

Daniel Marcos has found a new MMA home just a few days after his UFC career came to an end.

On Monday, the 33-year-old announced that he has signed a deal with PFL on social media.

“Grateful to God for this new phase,” Marcos wrote alongside a picture of him holding his PFL contract.

“Thanks to @pflmma for the trust and @jasonkhouse for the work that makes these moments possible.

“The signing is just the beginning. My language has always been the same: discipline, pressure, and violence. The rest is just words. See you all soon.”

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Daniel Marcos doesn’t know why the UFC released him

Daniel Marcos issued a statement about his bizarre departure from the UFC on Saturday.

‘Soncora’ patiently waited for a new contract offer after submitting Miles Johns at UFC Vegas 111 in November, but it never came, and the company opted against re-signing him when his deal expired.

“Since my last fight in November, I did exactly what was asked of me,” Marcos said.

“I finished my opponent, and since December, I’ve stayed ready to compete again. I spent months training, doing camp, and waiting for an opportunity. A negotiation never came; a renewal never came.

“I just kept waiting because I trusted that the moment would come. In the end, the decision was that they would not continue with me, and to this day, I don’t have a clear explanation as to why.”

This article first appeared on Bloody Elbow and was syndicated with permission.

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