Pro MMA Now: I’m sorry that it’s under these circumstances that we’re talking, Seth. However, you just confirmed with us you just got off the phone with Joe Silva and you indeed have been released by the UFC. If you don’t mind me asking, what was that conversation like, what was said and did it sound as if they left the door open for you?

Seth Petruzelli: The conversation was fine, he told me that due to WEC merging with UFC that he had a lot of people to let go and that since my last loss I was one of those people. My name is always on his list he said, so I’m assuming that means win more outside UFC and Ill be back.

PMN: In the past, often times fighters have gotten released after three losses in a row. I know there’s no set rule or anything. In fact some guys get released after one fight. Did they give you any indication of why now and not one more?

SP: I’m guessing cause he has only a set number of allotted people per weight class he can keep cause of the merger and I guess two losses was enough to seal my fate.

PMN: Only one of your 12 victories have come by decision. You knocked out 10 of the 12 and submitted the other one. You definitely have an exciting style. You have great striking. And you have won almost all your fights outside the UFC. What do you think it is about fighting in the UFC that has been the biggest challenge for you; Is it just the level of competition or is there more to it?

SP: No, it’s mental, it always has been mental. I do fine in the training room with top level guys. I guess I’m a mental midget with the UFC and the pressure it puts on me. Either that or I’m cursed… and I don’t believe in curses …

… I feel cursed and blessed at the same time. Blessed that i could do all those things when 99% of people can’t. And cursed cause I could never make anything happen when it really mattered in the UFC.

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