UFC release former 'The Ultimate Fighter' winner Escudero

The Canadian Press

9/21/2010 2:34:55 PM

LAS VEGAS -- Lightweight Efrain Escudero, winner of Season 8 of "The Ultimate Fighter," has been released by the UFC.

Escudero (14-2) lost by third-round submission to rising star Charles Oliveira last Wednesday on a televised Ultimate Fight Night card. While 3-2 overall in the UFC, he is 1-2 in his last three outings having also lost to contender Evan Dunham.

"Hello true fan I was released by the Ufc today speaking to strikeforce and bellator," Escudero said via Twitter. "Taking a week off and make my way back!!!!!"

Escudero failed to make the 156-pound lightweight limit by three pounds against Oliveira so had to forfeit 20 per cent of his purse.

The 24-year-old from Tempe, Ariz., upset Phillipe Nover to win Season 8 of the reality TV show.

The only other TUF winner out of the organization is Travis Lutter, who was victorious in Season 4.