Tungviktaren meddelade att han hade stora nyheter, men de flesta förväntade sig att det var positiva.
”Alert: I said weeks back a change was coming, after going for a lonig walk with Rose we’ve made a decision – stay tuned” Var orden som den populäre tungviktaren Pat ”HD” Barry (8-7) använde sig av för att beskriva de kommande förändringarna. Fans spekulkerade att det gällde en flytt till lätt tungvikt, att han och flickvännen Rose Namajunas var förlovade, och en mängd andra potentiella händelser. Det visar sig nu att Barry planerar at lämna MMA och kommer att söka sig till stående fighting. Detta meddelade Barry och hans manager Brian Butler i ett pressmeddelande skickat till MMA Junkie.
“After long discussions with our client Pat Barry over the recent weeks, he has come to the decision that he will be taking an indefinite leave from competing in MMA. The UFC and Zuffa have been very gracious in releasing him from his contract and Pat is very grateful for everything they have done for him and his career.”
“Over the past few fights I’ve just had this sinking feeling in my stomach whenever I have stepped into the Octagon and I realize, I DONT WANT TO WRESTLE. Not saying I will never do MMA again, but right now I just want to hit people. MMA and the UFC have been great to me and I will always support the company and the sport. I want to thank all my fans, sponsors and haters for being with me on this journey and I look forward to what future holds.” – HD!
“Pat and I have talked about this for a while now and with recent changes in the landscape of combat sports, he wants to explore some options and try to get back to his roots. He’s going to take a little time to clear his head and then we will explore our options. We will keep you posted on things as they develop.” – Brian Butler
Den sympatiske sluggern Barry har trots sitt blygsamma record blivit ett uppskattat namn i UFC som alltid levererar sevärda om än slumpartade matcher. Den talangfulle kickboxaren har vunnit fem matcher i buren tack vare sin stående arsenal, men också förlorat sex gånger på grund av ojämn form, fysiska svagheter och bristande skärpa. ”HD” har knockat fighters som Shane Del Rosario och Christian Morecraft men förlorade sina två sista matcher i UFC via knockout, mot Shawn Jordan på UFC 161 och mot Soa Palelei på UFC Fight Night 33.
