More than a few surprised sighs were heard earlier this month when the UFC released TUF 17 alumnus Luke "Bigslow" Barnatt. Sure, the lanky middleweight had crossed into uncertain waters with his recent three-fight losing skid, but two of those losses were debatable split decisions, and the last of the trio came in nigh-unwinnable circumstances -- a retirement bout against one of the most beloved figures in the sport, Mark Munoz, in Munoz's native Philippines.
Considering that Barnatt had been a trooper throughout the entire slide, and was an articulate Englishman with a decent fanbase too boot, all signs pointed to the 27-year-old likely getting once last opportunity to prove his mettle inside the Octagon.