Bellator releases former champ Zach Makovsky

Bellator has cut ties with another former champion.

First-ever Bellator bantamweight titleholder Zach Makovsky recently confirmed via Twitter that the promotion has released him.

In his past two outings, Makovsky (14-4 MMA, 6-2 BFC) lost his title to Eduardo Dantas, and then earlier this month, "Fun Size" suffered a narrow split-decision defeat to Anthony Leone.

"Honestly shocked but thank you for the opportunity @BellatorMMA @BjornRebney" Makovsky tweeted.

Makovsky, an NCAA Division I wrestler at Drexel University who now fights out of Philadelphia, became Bellator's first 135-pound champion after winning a Season 3 tournament, where he defeated Nick Mamalis, Bryan Goldsby and Ed West. He also picked up non-title wins over Chad Robichaux and Ryan Roberts as part of an overall eight-fight win streak.

The 29-year-old, though, then suffered the submission loss to Dantas and the close defeat to Leone.

As Bellator moves from MTV2 to Spike TV next month, the company's roster continues to change. In fact, few of its inaugural champions remain with the promotion. Welterweight Lyman Good and light heavyweight Christian M'Pumbu are still on the roster. However, featherweight Joe Soto eventually moved on to fight at Tachi Palace Fights, middleweight Hector Lombard signed with the UFC earlier this year, and heavyweight Cole Konrad announced a surprise retirement in September. Additionally, lightweight Eddie Alvarez and women's 115-pound champion Zoila Gurgel are exploring free-agency options.

Makovsky also is expected to explore the free-agency market.

http://www.mmajunkie.com/news/2012/12/bellator-releases-former-champ-zach-makovsky

Makovsky vs. Torres/Baca/Marques at a future WSOF seems like a nice option.

That was a loss for them cutting a top 10 BW (outside Zuffa). Hopefully he goes to WSOF or GLORY/DREAM/ONE FC.

Makovsky looks like a small guy. Wonder if he could make a reasonable move to 125?

wekka wrote:Makovsky looks like a small guy. Wonder if he could make a reasonable move to 125?

I think he could make the cut there. He seems like a pretty small BW.

I'd hope that's what he'd decide to do. Not very many major North American options outside of the UFC. It'd be good to see him built up against guys like Campuzano, Riggleman, Sampo, Banuelos, Ortiz, and Rave though.

CDF47 wrote:That was a loss for them cutting a top 10 BW (outside Zuffa). Hopefully he goes to WSOF or GLORY/DREAM/ONE FC.

This. He hasn't looked so great in his last two outings but he was still a top fighter and asset.

Im shocked. Maybe this frees up some money to re-sign Eddie?