Paul Buentello released from UFC

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Following his second straight loss with the organization, six-fight UFC veteran Paul Buentello has reportedly been released from his UFC contract.

Buentello is in the twilight of a long and illustrious 13-year career, however, he still would provide a solid pick-up for a mid-tier or established promotion. But don't expect Buentello to land with Strikeforce again, as Strikeforce President Scott Coker took a parting shot at the veteran heavyweight in an e-mail confirming Buentello's release in September.

"We offered Paul a six-figure contract to fight Fedor, but he turned it down," said Coker. "His decision is understandable considering Fedor's level of skill but, at the same time, Paul didn't really fit into our plans. He's been a solid journeyman fighter and we wish him the best of luck in his future endeavors."

Buentello has often been labeled a gatekeeper and could serve a measuring point for up-and-comers as well as be matched up with fellow veterans in the sport. Buentello's crowd pleasing fighting style of wanting to stand and bang with his opponent is a promoter's dream.

Since returning to the UFC following a 5-1 stint for notable promotions Affliction and Strikeforce from October 2006 to January 2009, Buentello went 0-2 in the UFC in what was his second tour with the promotion.

Buentello suffered a majority decision loss in his return Octagon bout against Stefan Struve at UFC 107 in December. He was most recently defeated by Cheick Kongo via third round submission at UFC on Versus 1 on March 21.

Buentello exits the UFC with an even 3-3 record, putting together a near perfect 3-1 mark in a previous stint with the promotion from February of 2005 to February of 2006. He scored Octagon wins over the late Justin Eilers and Gilbert Aldana, as well as Kevin Jordan over that span with his only other UFC loss came from Andrei Arlovski in a UFC heavyweight title bout at UFC 55.

"The Headhunter" has competed for other notable promotions throughout his career such as International Fighting Championship, Rumble on the Rock, Extreme Challenge and King of the Cage.

He has put together a 27-12 MMA record since making his pro debut in April 2007, scoring stoppages in all but one of his 27 wins including 17 by TKO or KO. Buentello holds other notable career wins David "Tank" Abbott, Kirill Sidelnikov, Mike Kyle, Bobby Hoffman and Gary Goodridge.