On Wednesday evening, MMAMania.com reported that former top contender in the Welterweight division Jon Fitch was released suddenly from his UFC contract due to being unable to reach an agreement with the UFC on a lifetime contract for his video game likeness rights.

To discuss his release, a somber Fitch joined Sports Rage with Gabriel Morency on SIRIUS 98, Hardcore Sports Radio early Thursday morning. Fitch, still in shock over his release, confirmed that it was over a dispute about the use of his video game likeness.

Other fighters that Fitch mentioned are having issues with their video game likeness rights are Welterweight Josh Koscheck, Heavyweight Christian Wellisch and Heavyweight Cain Velasquez

Here are some interview highlights:

“This all transpired over about two or three days, Dana called my management and tried to get us on board for this video game agreement, we returned with our offer and they responded with you need to accept this or else”

“I had two fights left on my contract, but they put a clause in my contract that if you lose a fight, we can release you at any time”

“That’s what’s crazy is that there’s no money involved in this whatsoever, it has absolutely zero to do with any money whatsoever. The agreement that they wanted us to sign is that we get free publicity. The problem is that it’s a lifetime contract and you cannot work with any other video game company”

“I have never wanted anything more than to fight in the UFC and to be a UFC champion. I have put my blood, sweat and tears into this and this is how they repay me”

“I had a bout agreement that I turned in yesterday for January 31st and earlier today they recanted that and my contract was terminated early tonight”

“I’m leaving (negotiations with other companies) up to my management. I know that I’m welcome in other places and we’ve got to talk prices. The big hit is the money on sponsorship and you’re losing about 75 to 80 per cent of your contract right there”

“Right now, myself and Christian Wellisch have had our bout agreements scrapped and our promotional agreements terminated. Christian was actually going to sign the agreement because he didn’t really care. They cyut him first, I think as a scare for me, Koscheck and Cain. Cain Velasquez has got one fight on his contract and they’re saying that after his fight he’s done and they’re not going to re-up his contract. I think the same thing goes for Koscheck. I think they would drop him right now if he wasn’t fighting on (December) 10th, if he wasn’t headlining that show.”