Robert Whittaker doesn’t think Darren Till’s UFC release was due to his recent skid.
The news of Till’s (18-5 MMA, 6-5-1 UFC) departure took many by surprise, but the Liverpool native revealed he’s the one who requested his release.
Whittaker (24-6 MMA, 15-4 UFC), who holds a win over Till, reacted to the news. He said even though Till has lost five of his past six, he had good moments in those fights and remains a big name.
“It’s surprising, to be honest,” Whittaker told FOX Sports Australia. “I would have to believe that it’s not purely because of his last few losses. I think there’s something more to it as in he’s going through something mentally or injuries or something like that. I think there’s discussions between them and they came to the agreement that they were going to release him.
“I can’t see them just cutting him due to performance. Granted, he’s lost five of his last six, but he looks good when he looks good. He’s still a big name, especially in that U.K. market. He’s a big name. People love the way he holds himself. He’s a funny dude, quite charismatic. Yeah, I can’t seem them doing that because of (his losses).”
Till’s setbacks came to the likes of Tyron Woodley, Jorge Masvidal, Derek Brunson and Whittaker. Till dropped Whittaker early in their UFC on ESPN 14 fight before the former champion rallied to outpoint him. In his most recent octagon appearance, Till was submitted by Dricus Du Plessis in a Fight of the Night effort this past December at UFC 282.