Jake “White Kong” Hadley, who competed in the UFC with a record of 3 wins and 4 losses, departed the promotion last year when his contract concluded.
While reaching the UFC is a significant achievement, as many fighters are discovering, staying in the organization presents its own unique challenges.
Even accomplished fighters sometimes leave the UFC for various reasons, but other reputable organizations offer opportunities for these athletes.
The PFL is anticipating a successful 2025, having announced major format changes to better align with fan expectations.
As UFC enthusiasts hope to see rising UK star Dakota Ditcheva transition to PFL in the future, British fighter Jake Hadley has made the opposite move and is set to debut in the PFL soon.
Jake Hadley Reveals Short UFC Release Over Fight Refusal
Jake Hadley`s introduction to the UFC was turbulent from the start. Despite a dominant performance on Dana White`s Contender Series, his signing was almost derailed.
The former Cage Warriors flyweight champion missed weight before his Contender Series fight, and Dana White cited backstage issues, yet still decided to offer Hadley a contract.
After competing in the Octagon and achieving a 3-4 record, Hadley announced his signing with the PFL. He is scheduled to participate in their bantamweight World Tournament, with his first fight on April 11 against Sarvarjon Khamidov.
In a recent interview with Home of Fight, Hadley discussed his relationship with the UFC during his time with the promotion.
Hadley disclosed that he was temporarily released from the UFC roster for three days after declining a short-notice fight.
“I probably shouldn`t talk about it, but I will. The UFC cut me for refusing a short-notice fight, then re-signed me. It wasn`t the best relationship,” Hadley stated.
Hadley explained that prior to being offered the fight, he had undergone a DEXA scan with the UFC. This scan indicated he would struggle to make flyweight on short notice.
The proposed fight was against Igor Severino of Brazil on March 23, who ultimately fought Andre Lima instead.
Severino was disqualified in that fight for biting Lima, resulting in his UFC release and a fine. He has since signed with the European promotion OKTAGON.
“That fight where Severino bit his opponent was the one I was supposed to take on short notice. The UFC knew I had weight-cutting issues,” Hadley recounted.
“When I declined, it became a problem, and I was cut for a few days before being brought back. It`s business, no hard feelings. I think I would have defeated him anyway, even on short notice… Though he might have bitten me, which would have been an easy win and a $50,000 bonus, so maybe I should have taken it.”
Jake Hadley and Igor Severino: New Beginnings After UFC Exits
While Jake Hadley`s departure from the UFC was less controversial than Igor Severino`s biting incident, both fighters are now looking to rebuild their careers in new organizations.
Severino has already made his OKTAGON debut with a victory and is now set to compete for the vacant bantamweight title on April 26.
Hadley faces a challenging path in the PFL bantamweight tournament, starting with a bout against the undefeated Khamidov (16-0).
This new chapter presents an opportunity for Hadley to establish a stronger footing in his career after a rocky start with the UFC.
Rupert Hartwell