PFL Releases 2021 Lightweight Champ Raush Manfio

Raush Manfio is no longer part of the Professional Fighters League roster.

The 2021 lightweight champion announced his release via social media on Monday.

“I would like to announce that I’m no longer part of the PFL, but also thank [PFL] for all these years with the promotion,” Manfio wrote (translation via MMAFighting.com). “We came in from the front door and left with my head held high knowing it wasn’t the way we wanted to end this season, but the year isn’t over yet.”

Manfio’s PFL tenure comes to a close in disappointing fashion. In his last appearance, Manfio dropped a unanimous decision to longtime friend and training partner Natan Schulte at PFL 6 on June 23. The bout was criticized for…