Madadi (photo via UFC.com)

By FCF Staff

As expected would be the case, the Ultimate Fighting Championship has released lightweight Reza Madadi, due to the fighter’s recent conviction for aggravated theft. The 33 year-old Swedish resident was sentenced to 18 months in jail just a few days ago, for allegedly robbing a designer handbag store in Stockholm.

The UFC has released the following statement regarding the termination of Madadi’s contract:

Following his conviction by a court of law in Sweden, the UFC organization has elected to terminate its relationship with Reza Madadi based on its Fighter Code of Conduct and the provision of its promotional agreement concerning fighter conduct.

The Iranian born fighter has reportedly denied his involvement, and has until September 6th to launch an official appeal of his conviction.

Madadi last competed in April, when he recorded a third round, submission win over Michael Johnson at UFC on FUEL TV 9 (via Dárce Choke). The lightweight earned “Submission of the Night” and an extra $50,000 for the tap-out victory.

The 13-3 fighter has gone 2-1 to date in the UFC.