Torres Rejoins UFC Fold After Controversial Tweet and Release

After some time with a pink slip, Miguel Torres is headed back to the Octagon. | Photo: Dave Mandel

The fighter tweeted news of his return to the promotion on Wednesday after appearing with UFC president Dana White at the UFC 141 press conference in Las Vegas.

“Thanks to my family, friends, supporters, fans, [my manager] Glenn Robinson, Dana White and Lorenzo Fertitta,” Torres wrote. “I’m back.”

Torres was released on Dec. 8 after posting a controversial tweet the day prior.

“If a rape van was called a surprise van, more women wouldn’t mind going for rides in them,” Torres wrote. “Everyone likes surprises.”

The tweet, reportedly made in reference to Comedy Central sitcom “Workaholics,” was posted the same day that former light heavyweight champion Rashad Evans made a Jerry Sandusky reference when trading barbs with upcoming UFC on Fox 2 opponent Phil Davis. Evans received no punishment for his comment, though White later stated that he had a discussion with the fighter regarding the matter.

Formerly the world’s top 135-pound talent, Torres became one of the faces of World Extreme Cagefighting during his tenure with the organization, winning the promotion’s bantamweight title and defending it thrice successfully before dropping the strap to Brian Bowles in 2009.

A loss to Joseph Benavidez would then follow, prompting Torres to join the Tristar Gym in Montreal. Since holding camp in Montreal, the 30-year-old has won three of his last four fights, notching wins over Charlie Valencia and Antonio Banuelos before outpointing Nick Pace at UFC 139 on Nov. 19.