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Matchmaker Joe Silva expected to exit UFC following company sale

Published Nov. 15, 2016 2:14 p.m. ET

Damon Martin

UFC matchmaker and vice president of talent relations Joe Silva will exit the promotion in the near future, bringing to a close a career that's lasted with for over two decades.

Silva's exit was confirmed to FOX Sports on Wednesday by sources close to the situation following an initial report by MMAJunkie.

Silva's departure comes just days after the sale of the UFC to WME-IMG was finalized with the executive standing to make a significant amount of money as a result.

Silva was best known as the primary matchmaker for the UFC during a tenure that started under the previous owners at SEG long before Lorenzo and Frank Fertitta bought the organization and turned it into a company that just recently sold for $4 billion.

Silva first started consulting for the promotion around UFC 3 and has remained a major figure within the company ever since.

Sources have indicated that Sean Shelby, who handled matchmaking duties for the featherweight, bantamweight and flyweight divisions as well as the women's divisions, will now oversee the primary functions once handled by Silva after his exit is complete.

Silva is not expected to leave the UFC immediately but rather transition out over the next six months according to sources.

UFC officials haven't made any confirmation or announcement regarding Silva's exit from the promotion.

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