Former WEC Bantamweight Champion Miguel Torres Released from UFC for Tweet

In the days where UFC fighters like Forrest Griffin and Rashad Evans are getting criticized for the things they say, it is Miguel Torres who first gets the axe for his offensive tweet.

UFC president Dana White told Sports Illustrated that the former WEC bantamweight champion had been cut from the UFC not for his poor performance in the promotion, but for a tweet.

"This morning I’m on [Michael] Landsburg’s show, up here in Canada, and he hits me with the quote of what he tweeted. Now there’s no explanation for that," White told Sports Illustrated. "There’s absolutely nothing I could say to make any sense of that. And the fact that he even thinks that’s funny or that’s a joke, it disturbs me. It bothers me.

"Again, you’re dealing with a guy that’s a smart guy, that owns his own business, that’s been one of the top fighters in the world forever. And I cut him today. He’s no longer with the UFC."

White was then asked if this was Torres' first offense or second offense.

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"No, this was the first time. And then he said he hadn’t heard what happened to Forrest [Griffin, who drew fire for tweeting 'Rape is the new missionary' last month]. Really? Where do you live? What business are you in? How do you not hear about these things?

You should have paid more attention. It’s to the point now where, there’s going be times when things happen and mistakes are made. I cannot defend Miguel Torres. I cannot defend what he said. What he said makes no sense other than when he says, 'It was a joke.' Well, I don’t think that’s a funny joke. I think it’s disturbing."

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For those who are wondering what Torres' offensive tweet was here it is:

“If a rape van was called a surprise van, more women wouldn’t mind going for rides in them. Everyone likes surprises," Torres said via Twitter.

Offensive or not, Torres is no longer with the UFC.

UPDATE: Matt Erickson received a text from Torres stating that he was quoting an episode of Its Always Sunny in Philadelphia which he was watching at the time.

UPDATE: According to Ariel Helwani and somebody close to Torres he was quoting Workaholics and not Its Always Sunny in Philadelphia.