Takanori Gomi released from the UFC

After a five fight losing streak, the UFC has decided to part ways with “The Fireball Kid.”

On Nov. 15, the UFC announced the release of Takanori Gomi, Hacran Dias, Carlos Felipe, Henrique de Silva, and Adriano Martins. Gomi’s release comes as a surprise to very few. The 39-year-old “Fireball Kid” has been finished in the first round of his last five UFC fights.

In the past three years, Miles Jury, Joe Lauzon, Jim Miller, and Dong Hyun Kim, all managed to knock Gomi out with punches inside of three minutes. Jon Tuck added a one-minute submission by rear-naked choke for good measure. Thanks to a 4-9 record in the UFC, Gomi’s professional MMA record has dropped to 35-14 with one no contest. It is unclear what lies ahead for “The Fireball Kid.” His release from the UFC could very well mark the end of his illustrious fighting career.

Gomi earned his reputation as one of the top fighters in history during his time fighting in Japan. He began his career in Shooto where he became the lightweight champion. Gomi then moved on to the highly touted Pride FC. He began his Pride career with a 10-fight win streak. The streak included a Pride record six-second knockout of Ralph Gracie.

When Pride shut down in 2007, Gomi remained the only lightweight champion in Pride history. He ended his Pride career 13-1 with one no contest. The demise of Pride left Gomi bouncing around Japan before earning his contract with the UFC in 2010.

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Although it is sad for MMA fans to see Takanori Gomi go, he will be remembered for his vicious striking and creative knockouts. If “The Fireball Kid” chooses to retire upon his release from the UFC, he will go down as a pioneer of the sport and one of the most exciting brawlers to ever grace MMA.