Thiago Tavares’ run inside the Octagon is over.
The Brazilian fighter competed under the UFC banner since 2007, and the promotion has decided not to re-sign his contract after his first-round loss to Doo Ho Choi last July, MMA Fighting has learned.
Tavares (20-7-1), who racked up a 10-7-1 record in almost 10 years as a UFC fighter, competing against the likes of Clay Guida, Manny Gamburyan, Brian Ortega and Khabib Nurmagomedov, has signed a multi-fight deal with Brazilian promotion Aspera FC.
Tavares will get back in action on Feb. 18 in a featherweight contest against Mauricio Machado (17-10).
Aspera FC 49, scheduled to the place at Balnearo Camburiu, Brazil, will also feature UFC veterans Glaico Nego and Alberto Uda against Ludy Goulart and Huinderson Barbosa, respectively. The card also includes a light heavyweight title fight between Leonardo Oliveira and Alan Bispo.