UFC matchmaker Joe Silva’s intent to part ways with the company in the foreseeable future was reported by multiple outlets on Wednesday.
As a company executive, Silva profited from the UFC’s recent sale to a group headed by WME-IMG, according to MMAjunkie.com, which led to his decision to step down as the UFC’s matchmaker and Vice President of Talent Relations. Silva is expected to leave the UFC by the end of this year or early 2017.
Silva has been with the UFC since 1995, when the organization was owned by Semaphore Entertainment Group (SEG), prior to the 15-year-long Zuffa era.
Sean Shelby is the UFC’s other matchmaker. He handles featherweight and lighter, as well as the pair of women’s divisions, while Silva handles lightweight and heavier. The UFC’s plan for their matchmaking department going forward is unknown at this time, but Shelby will likely handle all of the matchmaking duties while a search for a new matchmaker occurs.
The UFC has not commented on the situation at this time.
With Silva’s days with the UFC dwindling at a rapid pace, it is certainly safe to say his departure from the organization is truly the end of an era.
Here are comments from a handful of fighters on the departure of Silva (all comments were sent directly to BloodyElbow.com):
UFC lightweight Josh Emmett: “I don’t know too much about it, but from what I’ve read he is leaving on good terms. He just wants to spend more time with his family, and that is totally understandable given the fact he is always travelling. Family and friends are the most important thing in life. He has been with the company for a long time and is a huge part of the UFC’s success. I’m sure whatever he does, he will be successful at. Sean Shelby will continue to do a great job; he will just have more work cut out for him. The UFC is the best organization in the world and will also continue to grow, and I feel the new owners are going to do big things for the company and fighters. I’m excited to be part of it.”
UFC lightweight Mitch Clarke: “Hard to say. He’s the only one I’ve dealt with. He’s honest and straight forward and knows fighters both in the UFC and up-and-comers. I just haven’t dealt with Sean Shelby enough — he’s great at what he does but my only dealings have been with Joe Silva. Plus Joe gets extra points because he loves comic books. If he leaves it’ll be tough shoes to fill for one person.”
UFC lightweight Tony Martin: “I liked how and thought he was very fair. In this sport, people say stuff all the time and never follow through but everything he told me, I even asked for some unusual things and he said he would get it done, and he did. Joe will be missed.”
UFC welterweight Mickey Gall: “I don’t know. Hard to imagine matchmaking without him. He’s always been the guy. Seems like a fun job.”
UFC welterweight Tim Means: “Shocked.”
UFC lightweight Kajan Johnson: “He was a real stickler for records so I was never a big fan. Also, I always felt a weird energy from him. He cut my boy, Ricci, off one loss because Ricci stood up for another teammate to him and things got a little heated. So yeah, I’m glad to see him go.”
UFC middleweight Derek Brunson: “Joe did a great job for the sport and the UFC. Pioneer. Let’s see what’s in store for the matchmaking going forward.”
UFC middleweight Sam Alvey: “Well, that’s too bad. He was very good at his job.”
UFC welterweight Patrick Cote: “After 21 years, I think he did a good job, and it’s time for him to spend more time with his family.”
UFC middleweight Josh Samman: “Smart guy. Did more than folks realize, I think. Not sure it will change much for fighters or fans.”
UFC light heavyweight Sean O’Connell: “It’s tough for guys who are not fully established. Often, Joe is the only one who has seen all of your fights and know where you really fit.”
UFC welterweight Sabah Homasi: “Man wants to retire. Been with the company for a long time. I’m sure there’s a reason for it.”
UFC welterweight Belal Muhammad: “He was the best in the business. I hope the next guy is good.”
UFC lightweight Jason Novelli: “Not quite on the Dana White ‘icon’ level, but it’s crazy to see a man so associated with the UFC up and leave.”