Huerta not calling it quits
Roger Huerta said he’s found the will to fight again. Huerta, who passed on a five-fight renewal contract with the…
Roger Huerta said he’s found the will to fight again.
Huerta, who passed on a five-fight renewal contract with the UFC last January to pursue a second career in acting, said his split-decision loss to Gray Maynard last Wednesday has re-ignited his competitive fire.
I think it could have gone either way and it’s my fault I let it go to the judges and I can’t go out like that, Huerta told Sherdog.com Sunday. I can’t go out with two losses in a row. I don’t think I’m going to call it quits anytime soon.
The popular bilingual fighter was heavily promoted by the UFC in 2007 and 2008, especially after he became the first mixed martial artist to ever appear on the cover of Sports Illustrated following his dynamo performance against Leonard Garcia at UFC 69.
However, the 26-year-old lightweight opted not to re-sign with the promotion earlier this year in favor of acting opportunities, he said. Huerta completed the last fight on his existing contract at UFC Fight Night 19 on Sept. 16.
In recent months, fighters like Randy Couture, Cung Le, and Quinton Rampage Jackson have all juggled movie roles and their fighting careers with mixed results.
Though some might consider Huerta’s acting proclamations as a way for him to not re-sign and become a free agent, Huerta said he was dead-set on leaving fighting behind until he entered the cage last week.
I’m still open to acting, said Huerta. Hopefully we get something going with that, but I’m not going to prioritize (acting) now. I’ll still prioritize fighting. If the UFC wants me back, I’d be willing to go back.
A return to the UFC is not impossible.
One common component of UFC contracts is a 60-day exclusive renegotiation period following a fighter’s last bout. If a new agreement is not reached within that time, the fighter can begin negotiations with other organizations. However, the UFC has the option to review and match any offer made by a rival outlet, sometimes for up to a year after the fighter’s contract expires.
We haven’t spoken to the UFC since last Wednesday, but we’d definitely keep that option open, said Huerta’s manager Jeff Clark, of North County Fight Management.
Huerta said he hasn’t taken the opportunity to consider other promotions, such as Strikeforce, just yet.