Paulo Filho

By Timothy J. Gilbert

After a pitiful showing at the latest World Series of Fighting (WSOF) event, it appears that the former WEC middleweight champion Paulo Filho (23-5) will not be returning to the organization.

The announcement was made by WSOF President Ray Sefo, who addressed the issue on MMAJunkie Radio.

“I think he’s got to do a lot of soul-searching for himself and if this is what he really wants to continue doing” Sefo said.

The announcement shouldn’t come as a shock considering how weak Filho’s last fight was.

Filho recently faced Dave Branch, a match in which he was dominated throughout. Branch assaulted him with blows which Filho had no response to. Filho showed no energy or desire to win, with his only impressive attribute coming from his ability to weather the three round storm.

This recent announcement marks yet another setback for the past WEC star, who began his career with 16 straight victories. Unfortunately, after his loss to Chael Sonnen at WEC 36, Filho has faced an abundance of drama, in the cage and out, that has undoubtedly affected his performance.

If Paulo Filho ever wishes to fight in the WSOF again, he is going to have to rebuild his reputation with fight organizers.

“Right now, he’s definitely not on the next show,” said Seflo.

If this truly is the end of Filho’s time in the octagon, it would mark an unfortunate end to a long and storied career of fighting. With 23 wins spanning over ten years, one can only hope that this Brazilian submission specialist gets the remembrance he deserves.