UFC legends Chuck Liddell and Matt Hughes were laid off by the organization's new owners Friday, according to Ariel Helwani of MMA Fighting.
WME-IMG, which bought the UFC in July, has reportedly laid off 10 to 15 employees this week. In October, Helwani reported "approximately 60-80 employees would be fired."
The 46-year-old Liddell hasn't stepped in the Octagon since 2010. He compiled a 21-8 career record in UFC, where he won the light-heavyweight title in 2005 and successfully defended it four times.
After three straight knockout defeats at UFC 88, 97 and 115, Liddell called it quits and was quickly brought on as UFC executive vice president of business development.
Hughes went 20-6 in UFC events during his career, which included a pair of championship belts in the welterweight division.
But like Liddell, a pair of knockout losses drove him to retirement. Then the UFC hired him in 2013 as vice president of athlete development and government relations.
He spoke to Helwani after he was relieved of his duties: "The UFC has been great to me. Times change, and I understand the decision that was made. I will move on. My family and I are fine. I do love adventure, and who knows what's next for me."
As the UFC continues to reach new heights, it looks as though new ownership isn't content with the names and faces who helped get it there, as its contributors outside of the Octagon are being replaced as a furious pace.
Stats courtesy of Sherdog.com.
