“You just don’t bring a guy that far and just cut him on a split decision. I just didn’t understand that. That hurt more than anything. OK, now I made it, and then you cut me on a split decision? It just wasn’t fair to me when I’ve seen some of the guys in the UFC that have a really, really, really long streak of losses."

-Antonio McKee, from Sherdog.com

There was a lot of hype leading up to Antonio McKee's UFC debut at UFC 125 against Jacob Volkmann. McKee was riding a 14-0-1 streak and was the MFC lightweight champion, but after only three rounds, he was released from the promotion.

McKee, who had signed a four fight contract with the UFC, as well as many fight fans, were puzzled by the decision to terminate his contract, as although it was not McKee's best performance to date, it was still far from one that would normally merit immediate termination.

The rumor as to the explanation for McKee's release was that there was friction between him and UFC management, particularly Joe Silva, over sarcastic comments made by McKee about his signing with the promotion. However, the UFC has not responded to these claims.

McKee has since signed to face Shinya Aoki in the highly anticipated DREAM 17 main event, but was forced to pull out of the bout due to unknown reasons. With much of his future uncertain at this point, one can only hope for a strong and quick return to form.