Chris Camozzi, coming off of a loss to Kyle Noke at UFC 127 in February, received his walking papers from the UFC on Wednesday. Camozzi posted the news on his website.
Rising through the ranks of various promotions in Colorado, Camozzi was a cast member on “The Ultimate Fighter Season 11.” He won his first fight on the show, but made an early exit due to a broken jaw.
He was brought back for a single bout on the season’s finale, where he defeated James Hammortree. Camozzi backed that up with a win over Dong Yi Yang at UFC 121. Then came the loss to Noke.
“I’m disappointed, but I need to stay positive and take this as a learning experience,” Camozzi wrote on Wednesday. “I know I can fight way better than what was shown on UFC 127 and I want to prove that to you, the fans. I’m going to take this and learn and grow from it. I will be working hard in the gym so I can make a statement in my next fight.
“I know the journey I am on is the right one for me. I love fighting and I want to be that guy that the fans come to see. I appreciate the UFC giving me my shot, I appreciate the fans and sponsors that support me and I look forward to making the big show again real soon.”
At 24 years of age, Camozzi has plenty of time for growth and fighting his way back into the UFC. His current plans are to go get a victory and then try to sign on with a promotion like Strikeforce or MFC.