Former UFC Exec Marshall Zelaznik Issues Statement After Release

The UFC’s Chief Content Officer, Marshall Zelaznik was among a number of high-profile executives who were released from their duties this week as new owners WME-IMG made there impression felt with a 15% reduction in staff at Zuffa, the promotions parent company.

Zelaznik had been with the promotion for the past 10 years after previously serving as vice-president for the iNDEMAND content distribution company.

Initially serving as the UFC’s UK President, Zelaznik eventually moved on to a role overseeing the UFC’s growing content business, launching the UFC Fight Pass subscription service.

“When I left iNDEMAND to join the UFC in 2006, some of my friends wondered if I was making a mistake,” Zelaznik said in a statement yesterday. “But — like many of us who were around back then — I believed the UFC would take its place among the greatest sports leagues in the world, if only we could get people to pay attention. Ten years on, I leave the UFC with a great sense of ‘mission accomplished.’

“”I was involved with some really cool initiatives at the UFC, and I’m very thankful for the opportunity to play a role in helping to grow the UFC and the sport of MMA. I’m looking forward to watching the sport continue to grow and will enjoy the fights now as big fan.

“I wish the very best for everyone at the UFC under the new leadership from WME-IMG.”

Ross launched MMA Insight (previously FightOfTheNight.com) in 2009 as a way to channel his passion for the sport of mixed martial arts. He's since penned countless news stories and live fight reports along with dozens of feature articles as the lead writer for the site, reaching millions of fans in the process.