It looks like WOSF, better known as World Series of Fighting, will be losing one athlete soon.
Ronny Markes, the Brazilian light heavyweight MMA fighter, has not stepped in the octagon since 2014. He did win a bout last year via unanimous decision victory over Cully Butterfield and was supposed to go against Dave Branch last April. However, Markes was pulled out from the fight just before the official weigh-ins because he was sick. He thinks this is the reason why the promotion company hasn’t scheduled him a fight until now.
“I’m not happy with this time off. I’m seeing things happen for everyone, lots of athletes fighting, and I’m here waiting. I guess they were upset that I got sick before my last fight in April, but that’s explain it because Matt Hamill also pulled out of his fight and he already has another one booked,” he said.
Ali Abdel-Aziz, an executive from WSOF, has offered Markes a schedule this coming December 28th. However, the brazilian fighter thinks that this fight will not really happen.
“I contacted them in July and at first they said I would fight in October, but now said the card is full. Then they said November wouldn’t be possible, and now they are saying I will fight on Dec. 28, at WSOF 26,” Markes said.
Since Markes does not have any scheduled MMA fight under WSOF this time, he admitted that he was offered a bout at Shooto, Brazil. But if he accepts this arrangement, he would need to close another six-month extension contract with WSOF so that he can fight in Rio de Janeiro.
“I’m super unhappy in this organization. It’s clear that they don’t want me there, but won’t let me go. I asked them to release me from the contract. I asked them to fight for Shooto in Brazil, but they said I would automatically renew for more six months with them if I did. I have no interest being signed with them anymore. I want to cut ties with them as soon as possible. I don’t want to stay one more day with them,” he said.
Upon looking at Markes’ MMA fight record this past year, it shows that he only had one fight in over 12 months ever since he signed up with WSOF. With this record, Markes is hoping that Abdel-Aziz will let him fight this coming December, and then finally let him go. Markes also added that even though the promotion company compensates them well, having to fight once a year is not acceptable.
“I hope Mr. Ali honors his word and gives me a fight in December. I want to be free of this contract as soon as possible. They pay us well, as well as the UFC does, but to fight once a year? I’m an athlete and money is important, but it sucks to stay away for this long. I fought in August of 2014 and will apparently fight in December. I’m honestly scared that they will change plans one more time. I hope Mr. Ali honors his word and gives me a fight,” Markes added.