UFC settles on new matchmaking responsibilities in light of Joe Silva's impending departure

Changes are afoot at the Ultimate Fighting Championship these days, including in its matchmaking department.

Soon to be gone is long-time matchmaker Joe Silva, who is planning on retiring in a couple of months after cashing in on the small percentage he had in the company following its recent sale for $4 billion. Silva had been with the company for over 20 years and is believed to have made well over seven figures following the sale.

As a result, Silva's partner, Sean Shelby, was recently promoted to Senior Vice President of Talent Relations, while former Legacy FC owner and president Mick Maynard was hired to be Vice President of Talent Relations.

Shelby now oversees the women's strawweight and bantamweight divisions, as well as the men's bantamweight, featherweight, lightweight and welterweight divisions, the latter two being new additions to his duties. Meanwhile, Maynard oversees the men's flyweight, middleweight, light heavyweight and heavyweight divisions, MMAFighting.com learned.

Most managers and fighters have already been notified of the changes, according to sources.

The new UFC owners, WME-IMG, are currently in the midst of restructuring the entire company, with approximately 70 employees getting laid off last week.