Raush Manfio, the former PFL lightweight titleholder, has parted ways with the Professional Fighters League, as declared in a recent social media proclamation.
This news surfaces in the wake of the contentious duel with Natan Schulte, a close confidant and sparring ally. The duo faced off in a bout that was met with a wave of criticism for its lack of competitive fire at PFL 6 in June.
In a heartfelt message penned in Portuguese, Manfio expressed his gratitude towards the PFL for the journey they’ve shared. “It’s with a mix of emotions that I announce my departure from PFL. I’m embracing free agency with the same integrity and pride I’ve always had, even though the season didn’t wrap up as I envisioned. Still, the year’s not done, and neither am I,” Manfio shared.
The match between Manfio and Schulte, who stands as the godfather to Manfio’s daughter, was notably lacking in intensity, drawing considerable flak from fans and analysts alike. Their perceived non-aggressiveness led to their suspension and consequently paved the way for Shane Burgos to leapfrog into the semifinals.
In a candid conversation with MMA Hook in July, Manfio reflected, “It’s obvious our performance wasn’t up to par, but there was no deliberate underplay from our side.” At that point, he was bound to PFL until December 2024 and voiced his concerns about a potential early termination: “My biggest concern is being sidelined for 2023 and then getting a last-minute notice next year saying ‘we’re done.’ This criticism feels like a low blow. If it had been two strangers delivering a substandard fight, nothing would’ve happened. But our bond was exploited to prop up someone else.”
Manfio, a distinguished figure in the fight game with an impressive 17-5 tally, boasts significant victories, including triumphs over esteemed fighters like Anthony Pettis and Clay Collard. He concludes his PFL tenure with a laudable 6-2 record but has faced some hurdles with two losses in his last three fights.
With curiosity and anticipation, he poses a question to his followers, “Where to next? I’m electrified about the future and ready to dive into the next chapter. SuckerPunch and my manager Brian Butler are already on the hunt for my next challenge. Stay tuned for updates, and thanks for the continuous support!”
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Raush Manfio PFL Exit
Why has Raush Manfio left the Professional Fighters League?
Raush Manfio announced his departure from the PFL, becoming a free agent after a controversial fight with Natan Schulte. Despite his 2021 championship title and a strong 6-2 company record, his recent match with Schulte was criticized for a perceived lack of effort, leading to a suspension and now his exit from the league.
What was controversial about Raush Manfio’s fight with Natan Schulte?
The controversy stemmed from their fight at PFL 6, where Manfio and Schulte, who share a close personal relationship, were critiqued for not fighting aggressively. This led to their suspension from the season and questions about the integrity of the match.
What are Raush Manfio’s plans after leaving PFL?
Manfio is looking forward to the next step in his career as a free agent. He has expressed excitement about future fights and is currently seeking new opportunities, with his management team, SuckerPunch Entertainment and Brian Butler, actively pursuing engagements for him.
How did the PFL react to the fight between Manfio and Schulte?
Following the criticized fight, the PFL suspended both Manfio and Schulte for the rest of the season. This action indirectly favored Shane Burgos, who advanced to the semifinals in place of Schulte.
What is Raush Manfio’s record in professional fighting?
Raush Manfio holds a professional record of 17 wins and 5 losses. He had a 6-2 record while competing in the PFL, and he has notable victories over fighters like Anthony Pettis and Clay Collard.
More about Raush Manfio PFL Exit
- Raush Manfio’s Free Agency Announcement
- Recap of PFL 6 Controversial Fight
- MMA Hook Interview with Raush Manfio
- PFL Lightweight Champion Raush Manfio
- Profile of Raush Manfio’s Manager, Brian Butler
5 comments
gotta say i’m excited to see where Manfio lands next, dude’s a beast when he’s on his game, Pettis and Collard can vouch for that!
Man, I can’t believe Manfio’s outta PFL after all that’s happened, thought he was a shoe-in for next season? but guess that’s fight biz for ya, full of surprises!
honestly wasn’t expecting much from the Manfio vs Schulte fight, training partners seldom go hard at it but the suspension seemed a bit much, PFL’s gotta rethink these rules imo
did anyone catch that interview on MMA Hook with Manfio? dude sounded stressed about getting cut early, really feels for him
manfio’s record was solid, don’t get why one bad fight has to define his stint with PFL. hope he finds a good home in another org