UFC releases lightweight contender Max Rohskopf
The time that Max Rohskopf spent in the UFC was short lived.
First reported by MMA Fighting, the promotion released the lightweight contender. It comes after a controversial octagon debut at UFC on ESPN 11 on June 20.
Rohskopf told his coach Robert Drysdale he was done competing in between rounds two and three. Drysdale attempted to talk to the former N.C. State wrestler into fighting on, but Rohskopf told the referee he was done.
After taking the fight on five-days notice, he lost by second-round TKO.
Rohskopf and Drysdale received a lot of criticism following the decision. UFC lightweight Dan Hooker even called Rohskopf a “Marshmallow” via Twitter.
UFC President Dana White stood behind Rohskopf’s decision following the event.
“Let me tell you what: In this [expletive] sport, if you’re done, you’re done,” White said at the UFC on ESPN 11 post-fight press conference. “You should absolutely be able to quit. I know that it’s frowned upon, but guess what? Anybody that would talk [expletive] about you quitting isn’t in there fighting. It’s real easy to be a critic. With what these kids do, this is a whole other level, man. … When you get here, this is a whole different level, man.”
Less than two months later, Rohskopf is off of the UFC roster.
Max Rohskopf earned his late-notice opportunity after going unbeaten at 5-0. He is a ground ace with all five of his wins coming by submission.
Rohskopf is still young into his career, making his professional debut back in February 2018.
