Bryan Barberena, a seasoned UFC fighter with 30 fights under his belt, has announced his departure from the octagon for the time being. Taking to social media, he revealed that his contract with the UFC has concluded without renewal.
Instead of dwelling on the transition, Barberena expressed his intent to relish time with his family, pursue farming, and indulge in Ridge Rum. He hinted at exploring other opportunities to showcase his fighting prowess and thanked his supporters, the Bam Bam Nation, along with the UFC for the thrilling journey.
Expressing gratitude for the experiences garnered as a UFC fighter, Barberena emphasized his plans to savor life’s moments. Despite stepping away from the spotlight, he remains appreciative of the platform the UFC provided him. However, he hasn’t ruled out future endeavors in combat sports.
Barberena seized the opportunity to challenge Mike Perry to a bare-knuckle boxing match, highlighting Perry’s recent swift victory over Thiago Alves at BKFC KnuckleMania 4. His tweet suggesting a showdown with Perry underscores his willingness to continue engaging in combat sports outside the UFC.
Barberena’s UFC journey commenced in December 2014 with a victory over Joe Ellenberger, setting the stage for a series of memorable fights. Throughout his UFC career, he secured notable wins against esteemed opponents like Robbie Lawler, Matt Brown, and Sage Northcutt, among others.
Garnering a reputation as a formidable welterweight, Barberena also ventured into the middleweight division for his last two fights, albeit with less success. Despite ending with a 9-10 record in the UFC, he accumulated five Fight of the Night bonuses, showcasing his tenacity and crowd-pleasing style.
At 34 years old, Barberena reflects on his UFC journey with a mixture of nostalgia and anticipation for what lies ahead. While his recent fights may have ended in losses, his legacy within the UFC remains defined by his thrilling performances and resilience in the cage.
As he embarks on a new chapter outside the octagon, Barberena’s departure marks the end of an era for his fans and the UFC community. Nevertheless, his departure signals the beginning of new possibilities, whether in bare-knuckle boxing or other ventures, as the Bam Bam Nation eagerly awaits his next move.
