Robert Whiteford Seeking Swift Release From His ACB Contract
Former UFC featherweight Robert Whiteford isn’t happy with ACB.
Whiteford has featured three times for ACB since parting ways with the UFC in 2016 and has won on all three occasions with victories over Kevin Petshi, Nam Phan and Kane Mousah.
The Scottish fighter appeared to be happily signed to the organisation under a multi-fight contract, but earlier this week spoke out via his social media to voice his frustrations having not being granted his release from the organization.
“Would just like to thank ACB for the opportunities over the last couple of years to still make a living out of the sport,” Whiteford wrote. “Having headlined two events for them I have had nothing but great experience, however, over the last few months with the organization coming into trouble and now cancelling all European shows, I have asked for my release several weeks ago.
“Between zero communication and then in principle agreeing to release me, I need this in writing so I can continue on with my career.”
Whiteford’s displeasure with the organisation stems from the recent show cancellations in Cyprus, Sweden and the UK. The Scot appears to want no part fighting in Russia and with the promotion now seemingly focusing on putting on shows in their home nation, Whiteford sees that he has no future with the organization.
So @ACB_League won’t release me and now I can’t make a fucking living,I have done nothing but add value to there European tour and now they treat me like this,absolute fucking joke !
— Robert Whiteford (@Flyinjudoka) August 20, 2018
ACB official Carl Prince responded to Whiteford’s original post on Twitter stating that the organization has offered him fights and that they are willing to negotiate a release with his management.
Carl it was advice given to me to tweet as they were getting no where
— Robert Whiteford (@Flyinjudoka) August 14, 2018
As per this afternoon, the offer from ACB appears to be that they will let Whiteford fight on other promotions on a fight-by-fight basis.
They said they will let me go on 1 fight deals that they need to approve ? https://t.co/iRzmkjUdCR
— Robert Whiteford (@Flyinjudoka) August 20, 2018
This doesn’t appear to have gone down well with Whiteford who has noted that no promotion will want to promote a fighter who they can’t secure on the books for more than just one fight.
No show worth there salt is gonna get behind a fighter and promote them on there show for them to leave after 1 fight
— Robert Whiteford (@Flyinjudoka) August 21, 2018
So where does this leave Whiteford?
Speaking to Jim Edwards earlier today, the Scot revealed that he signed a six fight contract that expires mid-2021 and provided the following statement:
“I can’t understand why they won’t release me. Everything changed when they cancelled their European events. I’m grateful for the opportunities they’ve given me, but the situation has changed now and these weren’t the conditions I signed my contract under. I just want to secure my release as soon as possible and leave.”
