Eric Schafer released from UFC

*Please visit FiveKnuckles.com for more mixed martial arts media*

Following his second straight loss in the organization, seven-fight UFC veteran Eric Schafer
has been released from his contract with the UFC.

Schafer confirmed the news on Wednesday on The Underground.

"I found out an hour before reading this, was just joking around (though it really does suck). I'll just get back into the gym and see what the future holds. Despite losing the last 2 decisions, I felt I learned a lot, but the UFC is not a easy place to be working on my game. Oh well, I had some good battles and always went out looking to finish. Was an amazing experience."

Schafer exits the UFC suffering back-to-back unanimous decision losses to TUF 8 winner Ryan Bader at UFC 104 in October, and Jason Brilz at UFC on Versus 1 on March 21. He previously won four straight fights, which included back-to-back UFC wins over Houston Alexander at UFC Fight Night 15 and Antonio Mendes UFC 93.

Schafer leaves the UFC with an overall 3-4 record, defeating Rob MacDonald in his Octagon debut at UFC 62 in August 2006, which was then followed by two straight losses inside the Octagon against Michael Bisping at UFC 66 and Stephan Bonnar at UFC 77.

Since making his pro debut in June 1998, Schafer has competed for other notable promotions such as Cage Combat, HOOKnSHOOT, Duneland Classic, Gladiators Cage Fighting and Xtreme Fighting Organization. He sports an overall 11-5-2 overall MMA record, finishing all but one of his 11 wins including seven wins coming by submission and holds other notable wins over Jason Veach and Jason Guida.