Raush Manfio has announced that he is no longer under contract with the Professional Fighters League (PFL) after a criticized match with Natan Schulte, and he is now a free agent seeking his next career move.
Raush Manfio, the 2021 PFL lightweight champion, recently declared himself a free agent, ending his contract with the Professional Fighters League. This decision comes after facing criticism for his lackluster performance in a match against his close friend and training partner, Natan Schulte. The bout, held at PFL 6 in June, was heavily scrutinized for its lack of aggression. As a result, both Manfio and Schulte were suspended from the season, and Manfio’s chances of advancing were dashed.
In a statement posted on social media in his native Portuguese, Manfio thanked the PFL for their past years together but revealed that this was not the way he wanted to conclude the season. However, he remains positive, stating that the year is not over yet. He expressed concerns over his contract’s terms and possible future suspensions from the PFL, emphasizing the unfair accusations against him and Schulte. Manfio believed that their friendship was exploited to benefit another fighter who was being highly paid, leaving him at a disadvantage.
Manfio, a former champion in both the PFL and Titan FC, has had a successful career with notable victories over fighters like Anthony Pettis and Clay Collard. With a record of 17-5, he leaves the PFL with a 6-2 record, having lost two of his last three matches. Seeking the next step in his career, Manfio’s manager, Brian Butler of SuckerPunch Entertainment, is currently pursuing fight opportunities for him this year. Manfio expressed gratitude for the support he has received and promised to keep his fans updated on upcoming developments.
In conclusion, Raush Manfio’s decision to end his contract with the PFL marks a significant turning point in his career. The fallout from his criticized performance against Natan Schulte played a role in his departure. Despite the disappointment, Manfio remains optimistic about the future and is eager to explore new fighting opportunities. As his manager works towards securing fights for him, fans and followers eagerly await what comes next for this talented lightweight fighter.