Randa Markos has parted ways with the UFC, but she says it won’t be the last fans see of her.
The 36-year-old Canadian fought out her contract and was not re-signed by the promotion, despite a win in the last fight on her deal. She snapped a four-fight skid with a win over former Invicta FC strawweight champion Livinha Souza at UFC Fight Night 196 in October.
Markos (11-11-1 MMA, 7-10-1 UFC) reflected on her career so far on Instagram and vowed to continue fighting.
“It’s been a long journey. 18 fights with the UFC. Never turning down a fight, constantly active from day one. I am blessed to have had the opportunities I’ve worked hard to achieve. Although my contract is up with the UFC, fighting is in my blood. I don’t think I can ever just walk away from my passion. One chapter has ended on to the next. Thank you everyone that has helped me along the way. Thank you to all my amazing fans and thank you God. Excited and ready for what’s yet to come #blessed#ontothenext #ıraq #canada”
Markos entered the UFC through Season 20 of “The Ultimate Fighter” in 2014 as a relatively unknown fighter from Canada. Immediately underestimated, Markos was ranked No. 14 out of the 16 strawweights competing on the season. But the “Quiet Storm” made sure she was heard. She upset one of the tournament frontrunners, Tecia Torres, followed by another upset submission over Felice Herrig.
Although her run came to an end when she fought current UFC strawweight champion Rose Namajunas in the semifinals, Markos made her mark on the season. She had mixed and inconsistent results throughout her UFC tenure, but she fought the best in the division. She holds notable wins over former champ Carla Esparza, Angela Hill and Souza.