The UFC has parted ways with former bantamweight title challenger Joe Soto. FloCombat confirmed the news with multiple sources this past weekend. 

A former Bellator MMA champion, Soto joined the UFC in the summer of 2014. Bursting into the spotlight, injuries projected the Californian into the pay-per-view main event at UFC 177 against champion TJ Dillashaw.

While he didn’t walk away victorious that night in Sacramento, Soto put forth a valiant effort, taking the champion to the fifth round. 

Following his title shot, Soto lost back-to-back fights to Anthony Birchak and Michinori Tanaka.

With his back against the wall, Soto picked up his first promotional victory in his fourth outing, defeating Chris Beal by submission. Turning a single win into a streak, Soto won his next two bouts against Marco Beltran and Rani Yahya.

Prior to being released from the promotion, Soto suffered back-to-back losses to Brett Johns and Iuri Alcantara, getting finished in both of those bouts.

It is unknown where Soto will land, but one source told FloCombat there has been interest in the 31-year-old from a few promotions, including the Legacy Fighting Alliance (LFA).