Former Tachi Palace Fights Bantamweight Champion and eight fight UFC veteran Joe Soto has been cut by the UFC according to Flo Combat.
Soto earned a 3-5-0 record under the UFC banner (18-7-0 overall), defeating Chris Beal, Marco Beltran and Rani Yahya. Soto then suffered those five losses against TJ Dillashaw, Anthony Birchak, Michinori Tanaka, Brett Johns and Iuri Alcantara.
A now released Soto did challenge for the UFC Bantamweight Title in his promotion debut, losing to the aforementioned Dillashaw by fifth round knockout at UFC 177. Soto actually took the bout an about a days notice, as he replaced former UFC Bantamweight Champion Renan Barao, who was injured while cutting weight. Soto’s last bout in the organization came earlier this year at UFC Fight Night Belem, suffering a first round TKO loss to the previously mentioned Alcantara.
The fighter had a measure of success outside of the Octagon, including victories over fellow UFC veterans Wilson Reis, Diego Saraiva and Terrion Ware.
There has been no word given yet by Soto as to what his first move outside of the UFC may be, as whatever fight the competitor takes next is going to be the first bout outside of the promotion since TPF 20 in August of 2014.
