Canadian fighter Elias Theodorou has expressed shock over the decision of the UFC to drop him despite an 8-3 promotional record against solid competition.

The middleweight, 31, was recently released by the UFC, a move widely frowned at by a number of fans, but the Mississauga-born is not leaving any ill will behind him or feel upset by the surprise decision of the UFC.

“I have no ill will toward the UFC,” Theodorou told MMA Junkie. “I don’t think being upset about it does anyone good. Especially myself. I don’t want to burn any bridges, but I also want to look at it in the positive aspects where I’m happy and healthy, and I’ve been successful in 20 of my professional times.”

Theodorou says he is not in the know of what informed the decision of the UFC’s decision. He admits that he suspects though that it could from a financial point of view.

“The UFC does have 600 athletes,” he said. “I think they just looked at what I was making now being 8-3 in the UFC, the five or seven Canadian fighters they recently added, they probably can pay every single one of their paychecks with my paycheck.

“I think the surprise – I think it kind of speaks to what my value is as a martial artist, and the people that know me inside the cage and out. I’m excited for the next step in my career and make myself undeniable, wherever that is.”

Despite this sad reality, Theodorou insists he’s a number of offers already on the table from other promotions. He says these offers will allow him to represent his own sponsors, an opportunity the UFC will not offer.

 “There are many organizations that have already reached out that pretty much pay what the UFC pays in some capacity,” he said. “And now with the avenue of having sponsors potentially involved, there are avenues I could make the same money as a UFC fighter elsewhere.”