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Antonio Carlos Junior explains why he’s ‘relieved’ with UFC release

The Ultimate Fighter: Brazil season 3 heavyweight winner Antonio Carlos Junior was let go by the promotion after losing his third in a row in January, dropping a decision Brad Tavares in Abu Dhabi, but he chooses to see it as a blessing in disguise.

“Cara de Sapato” became the TUF heavyweight winner in 2014 and at one point of his career had a five-fight middleweight winning streak that included four rear-naked choke finishes and a decision win over Marvin Vettori. However, three straight defeats to Ian Heinisch, Uriah Hall and Tavares cost his job.