Daniel Marcos still doesn't know why UFC released him following 5-1 run

Daniel Marcos was unexpectedly released from the UFC in May despite posting a 5–1 record with the promotion and scoring a submission victory in his last bout in November. His only UFC loss came against Montel Jackson, making his departure all the more surprising to the fighter himself.

"More than anything, I was surprised," Marcos told MMA Fighting. "I asked myself, 'Why? Why did this happen?' I had only lost once in my entire career, so I didn't understand what was going on. I can't control what other people decide to do. But I'm still grateful to the UFC for giving me the opportunity and for helping showcase me to the world."

The 18–1 fighter has since signed a multi-fight deal with the PFL and is eyeing a path to championship gold. Marcos has set his sights on PFL champion Sergio Pettis. "The way I think is to look at the No. 1 guy, and that's Pettis," he said. "Pettis is at the top. I want to have that belt around my waist as soon as possible, whenever the opportunity comes. I have signed a multi-fight deal with the PFL, and now I'm just waiting for the chance to step into that cage. I'm very hungry."